In the late hours of a Sunday evening in March 2017, a routine traffic stop in Oklahoma would tragically escalate, ending the life of a young police officer. Justin Terney, a 22-year-old male, was in his first year with the Tecumseh Police Department when he pulled over a vehicle. During the stop, a male passenger, later identified as Byron James Shepard, fled the vehicle on foot.
Officer Terney pursued Shepard, and a chase ensued.
In an attempt to stop the fleeing suspect, Terney deployed his taser, but it proved ineffective. Shepard then produced a firearm and shot Officer Terney multiple times. Despite being critically wounded, Terney managed to return fire, striking Shepard. Both men were transported to a local hospital for medical attention.
Justin Terney underwent surgery for his injuries but sadly succumbed to them the following day, on March 27, 2017. His dedication to public service extended beyond his role in law enforcement; he was also a volunteer firefighter.
The driver of the vehicle, Brooklyn Danielle Williams, was taken into custody. She was later convicted of second-degree murder in connection with Officer Terney's death and was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Byron James Shepard, the man who shot Terney, was charged with first-degree murder. He was ultimately convicted, and a jury recommended the death penalty. Before the sentence could be carried out, Shepard died in prison.
