Patrol Officer Benjamin F. Grair Jr., aged 31, was tragically shot and killed on August 5, 1983, while working as a uniformed security guard at the Ameritrust Bank in Cleveland, Ohio. Grair, who had served with the Cleveland Division of Police for two years and previously with Cleveland State University for seven years, was in full uniform and on the phone when a man walked up to him and shot him without exchanging any words.
The suspect then robbed the bank and fled the scene.
The suspect, identified as Willie Lee Jester, a former employee of the bank, was apprehended the following day after an extensive manhunt. Jester was found in possession of a large sum of money and was later convicted of aggravated murder and aggravated robbery. Initially sentenced to death, Jester's sentence was commuted to life without parole by the governor. As of 2021, he was incarcerated at the Mansfield Correctional Institution.
Officer Grair was transported to Euclid General Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds at 10:58 am on the day of the incident. His death was a significant loss to the community, and he was remembered as a dedicated and fun-loving officer who always sought to help others. Grair was survived by his wife, Barbara, and his siblings, Joseph, Lee, and Renee.
The case drew considerable attention, and Jester's arrest was a result of a tip from an alert security guard and the cooperation of the community. The swift apprehension and conviction of the suspect highlighted the effectiveness of the local law enforcement agencies and the community's support in bringing justice for Officer Grair.
Officer Benjamin F. Grair Jr.'s legacy lives on through the memories of his colleagues, friends, and family, who continue to honor his service and sacrifice.
