Patrolman James Spencer Johnson, 41, was killed in the line of duty on October 25, 1984, in East Lansing. A veteran of the United States Army and an 11-year member of the East Lansing Police Department, Johnson was a husband and father of six. He was following up on a report of a stolen vehicle at the East Glen Elderly Apartments, 1801 Hagadorn Road, when he entered an apartment to arrest a woman. A man who had been in a bathroom emerged and shot Johnson in the back of the head, killing him instantly.

The two suspects, identified as Wayne Lamarr Harvey and Patricia Ware, fled on foot, went to a nearby residence and shot and killed the homeowner while attempting to steal another vehicle. Both suspects were apprehended near Birch Row and Hagadorn. Harvey was convicted of first-degree murder for Johnson’s death and second-degree murder for the homeowner’s death and received life without parole. Ware was acquitted of Johnson’s murder but convicted in the homeowner’s killing and also received a life sentence.

Does anyone have memories of Patrolman Johnson or additional details about the October 25, 1984 incident that could add to the record?