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James Isom

Case from Detroit, IL dated Mar 11, 1997

Victim Details

James L. Isom

Male

Black / African American

Detroit

IL

1997-03-11

25

James

Isom

07/10/2026

Case Description

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James Isom, a 25-year-old African American male, was tragically killed on March 11, 1997, in Detroit, Illinois. The incident occurred at a Comerica Bank branch where Isom was employed as a customer service representative. On that fateful day, a gunman named Allen Griffin Jr. entered the bank with a 12-gauge shotgun and began shooting indiscriminately. Isom was the first victim, shot dead by Griffin as he entered the bank.

The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, but it is believed ...
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Links to Additional Sources (3)

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  • Gunman and 3 Others Are Killed at a Bank (Published 1997)
  • 4 Dead, 2 Hurt in Detroit Bank Shootout - Los Angeles Times
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    Forum Posts (2)

    Does anyone else find the handling of the security measures at the bank seriously concerning? I’ve... ...Read More
    10/26/2024
    I've been thinking a lot about the aftermath for the families involved in the Comerica Bank tragedy,... ...Read More
    04/28/2024
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