On December 10, 1991, Moniteau County Reserve Deputy Sheriff Leslie Blaine Roark, a 27-year-old male, tragically lost his life in the line of duty. The incident began when Deputy Roark responded to a domestic disturbance call at the residence of Oyfeider James Johnson, located a couple of miles south of Jamestown, Missouri. After speaking with Johnson on his porch for a few minutes, Deputy Roark returned to his patrol vehicle.
It was at this moment that Johnson emerged and shot Deputy Roark twice with a pistol.
Johnson then re-entered his home to gather more weapons and ammunition. Hearing Deputy Roark moaning, Johnson went back outside and shot him again, this time in the head. Deputy Roark was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries the following day. This initial act of violence marked the beginning of a devastating shooting spree that would claim more lives and terrorize the central Missouri community.
Following the shooting of Deputy Roark, Johnson, a 42-year-old Vietnam veteran and helicopter technician for the Missouri National Guard, embarked on a violent rampage. He drove to the home of Moniteau County Sheriff Ken Jones in Clarksburg, where a Christmas party was underway. Through a window, Johnson opened fire with a. 22 caliber rifle, fatally wounding the sheriff's wife, Pam Jones. His deadly spree continued as he also shot and killed Cooper County Sheriff Charles Smith and Miller County Deputy Sheriff Sandra Wilson. Another Moniteau County deputy, Russell Borts, was also shot but survived his injuries.
A massive manhunt involving over 200 officers from 15 different departments ensued, spanning a 24-hour period. Johnson managed to evade capture and took an elderly woman hostage in her home. He allowed her to leave to attend a Christmas party, a decision that led to his downfall. The woman immediately alerted the authorities, who surrounded the residence. After negotiations, Johnson surrendered to the police. He was subsequently convicted of capital murder for his crimes and was executed on January 9, 2002.
