John Scott Gardner, 30, was an Odessa, Texas police officer killed in the line of duty on September 8, 2007. Born June 7, 1977, in Odessa, he had served with the Odessa Police Department for over four years. Gardner and two fellow officers responded to a domestic violence call where the victim said her husband had hit her. After officers could not get through the front door and tried the back, the suspect opened fire, killing Corporal Arlie Jones and Officer John Scott Gardner and critically wounding Corporal Abel Marquez.

The shooter, identified as 58-year-old Larry Neil White of Odessa, was later shot and taken into custody after a four-hour standoff and was charged with multiple counts of capital murder. Corporal Marquez never regained consciousness and died four days after the shooting. White died of cancer on May 31, 2011, before standing trial. Gardner’s death prompted memorials and tributes honoring his service and sacrifice.

If anyone knew Officer Gardner or has information about the response that night, please share what you know.