Jefferson City Police Department, Missouri
End of Watch Monday, April 2, 1934
Add to My HeroesWallace Lawson
Patrolman Lawson was shot and killed after responding to a disorderly person call at a cafe. The suspect began to argue with Patrolman Lawson when the officer entered the cafe shortly after the suspect had caused a disturbance and attacked a waiter. The suspect then walked across the street and began cursing Patrolman Lawson. When Patrolman Lawson started towards the suspect, the suspect ran home and obtained a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with slugs.
As Patrolman Lawson went onto the house's front porch, the suspect came out the back of the house and ran around the side. He fired twice at Patrolman Lawson. The first shot was deflected by Patrolman Lawson's duty belt. The second shot hit Patrolman Lawson in the chest. He died moments after being shot.
The suspect fled, going to Kansas City. He was arrested without incident the next day after returning to Jefferson City. Two months later he was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to five years hard labor.
Bio
- Age 56
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Shotgun; 12 gauge
- Offender Sentenced to 5 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 5 ReflectionsSir, you are remembered today.
Dede Hodge
CA citizen
May 6, 2013
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Stanley "Allen" Burdic
Douglas County Sheriff's Office, OR
EOW: March 11, 2021

Investigator Eddie B. Hutchison, III
Walker County Criminal District Attorney's Office, TX
EOW: February 10, 2021

Deputy Sheriff Carlos Antonio Hernandez
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 11, 2021

Police Officer David Parde
Lexington Police Department, NC
EOW: April 17, 2021

Border Patrol Agent Christopher Shane Simpkins
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: April 12, 2021

Deputy Sheriff Thomas Patrick Barnes
Jefferson Davis County Sheriff's Department, MS
EOW: April 10, 2021

Sergeant James K. Smith
Iowa State Patrol, IA
EOW: April 9, 2021

Police Officer Brent Nelson Hall
Newton Grove Police Department, NC
EOW: April 3, 2021

Deputy Sheriff Christopher Wilson Knight
Bibb County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: April 6, 2021