Officer Christopher Wayne Russell, 35, was killed in the line of duty in the early morning of August 4, 2002. Responding to an armed robbery at a bar on North Roman Street in New Orleans, he and his partner were ambushed as they arrived; gunfire struck Russell in the head before either officer could exit the patrol car. He was taken to a hospital and later died of his wounds.

Russell had served five years with the New Orleans Police Department and left a wife who was expecting their second child and a 13-month-old daughter. Within two days of the shooting three people were taken into custody; one suspect was charged with murder, attempted murder, and 16 counts of armed robbery. On July 27, 2004, one of the men responsible for Russell’s death was convicted and sentenced to life without parole, and another individual, Carlos Heard, was charged in connection with the murder.

If anyone has information about the ambush or knew Officer Russell and his family, please share what you know.