In the winter of 1991, a domestic disturbance in a small Missouri town escalated into a tragic series of events that claimed the life of Cooper County Sheriff Charles Raymond Smith. The 54-year-old lawman was one of four people killed during a shooting spree that shattered the peace of Moniteau County.
The violence began on the evening of December 9, 1991, when Moniteau County Deputy Leslie Roark responded to a domestic dispute at the Jamestown residence of James R.
Johnson, a 42-year-old Vietnam veteran. After Roark had been at the home, Johnson fatally shot him. This initial act of violence marked the beginning of a calculated and deadly rampage. Johnson, armed with multiple firearms, then drove to the home of Moniteau County Sheriff Kenny Jones, where he shot and killed the sheriff's wife, Pam Jones, through a window.
The gunman's path of destruction continued as he drove to California, Missouri. Outside the Moniteau County Jail, the sound of gunfire erupted again. Sheriff Charles Smith, who was at the jail, ran towards the sound to investigate. It was in this act of duty that he was fatally shot. Miller County Deputy Sandra Wilson was also shot and killed in the same vicinity. Another officer, Moniteau County Deputy Russell Borts, was shot and wounded at his home but survived.
Following the shootings, a massive manhunt involving over 200 officers from 15 different departments was launched. The community was gripped with fear as law enforcement searched for the gunman. Johnson was eventually located at the home of an elderly woman where he had sought refuge. After negotiations with police, he surrendered peacefully.
James R. Johnson was arrested and charged with four counts of first-degree murder. In February 1993, a jury found him guilty on all counts and recommended the death penalty. Throughout his trial, his defense argued that he suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder stemming from his military service. Despite these claims, the conviction and sentence were upheld. On January 9, 2002, James R. Johnson was executed for the murders of Sheriff Charles Smith, Deputy Leslie Roark, Deputy Sandra Wilson, and Pam Jones.
