Shannon Ray Stephenson, a 28-year-old white male and five-year veteran of the Gainesville Police Department, was killed on June 15, 1980, in Gainesville, Florida. He responded to what was initially reported as a disturbance and later identified as a burglary. During the response he was accidentally shot and killed by a fellow officer who mistook him for an armed suspect; the shooting was ruled accidental and no arrests or charges were filed.

Officer Stephenson left behind a wife and a one-year-old daughter. The department investigated the incident, concluded the death was a tragic case of friendly fire, and later cited the event when emphasizing training and communication to help prevent similar mistakes.

If anyone knew Officer Stephenson or has information about the circumstances that night, please share what is known.