Sergeant James Delbert Mitchell, Jr., Amarillo Police Department, Texas

Sergeant James Delbert Mitchell, Jr.

Amarillo Police Department, Texas

End of Watch Monday, November 11, 1985

James Delbert Mitchell, Jr.

Sergeant James Mitchell was shot and killed while returning home from work when he stopped to render aid at the scene of a one-car accident he witnessed on I-27.

The driver of the vehicle began to flee. When Sergeant Mitchell ordered him to stop he opened fire with a 9 mm handgun, striking Sergeant Mitchell four times.The shooter was sentenced to death and was executed in 2002.

Sergeant Mitchell had been with the agency for 16 years. He was survived by his wife and two daughters.

Bio

Age 43
Tour 16 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; 9 mm
Offender Executed in 2002

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I knew Mitch. He was a really good guy. The map does not show the actual location where his life was taken. That spot showing is where I think he was attacked by a big guy after a routine wreck in the 1970s. He jumped Mitch and was trying to take his gun. I worked for KVII TV and this was a short distance from our station at 4th and Polk. I arrived on the scene and saw what was happening. I hit the guy on the head with my camera and he fell off the officer. Mitch took control of the situation at that time. He and I had breakfast a few times after that incident. Officer Mitchell was killed further south of that location just off Interstate 27 and North of 34th Ave. Mitch, may God Bless! And rest in peace.

Civilian John McPherson
KVII TV

January 25, 2018