State and Local Agencies Commended in Investigation of Sgt. Graham’s Death

JEFFERSON CITY, April 1, 2005—The Department of Public Safety commends the nearly 40 agencies that have given their time and made available their resources in the homicide investigation of Sgt. Carl Graham, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Troop G.

Director Mark James said Tuesday’s arrest of Lance Shockley, charged with Graham’s death, should be considered an important step in bringing justice to the Graham family.

“The speed and thoroughness of the agencies that came together to work on this case is commendable,” James said. “It truly shows that in an emergency or tragic situation, no means will be too extreme to bring justice and peace to the citizens of our state.”

James stressed that the investigation into the homicide is not over, and the arrest of Shockley is merely an accusation, not a conviction, meaning Shockley and possibly others will stand trial. James urges anyone who has information regarding the death of Sgt. Graham or about the individual(s) responsible for the murder to report it to the Southeast Missouri Crime Stoppers Hotline at (573) 322-0500.

Gov. Matt Blunt praised the work of all law enforcement involved and hopes Tuesday’s arrest will help bring closure to the family and friends of Sgt. Graham.

“In the midst of these unfortunate times Missouri can be proud of the dedicated public employees who have made law enforcement their career as they sacrifice their own lives to bring justice to victims and their families,” Blunt said. I want to express my deepest sympathy to everyone touched by the brutal death of Sgt. Graham.”

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DIRECTOR COMMENDS EFFORTS
FIRST AND FINAL ADD

At least 37 agencies have assisted in the case including six state agencies, six federal agencies and 25 local agencies. Resources utilized in the investigation include a mobile command unit supplied by the Department of Public Safety, a mobile crime scene van supplied by the Highway Patrol, Bell-Ranger helicopters from the St. Louis County Police and the Highway Patrol, and canine units from the Missouri Department of Corrections, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Highway Patrol.

State Agencies Local Agencies Federal Agencies
Department of Conservation Carter County Sheriff Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Department of Transportation Howell County Sheriff Jefferson City Office
State Park Rangers Butler County Sheriff Cape Girardeau Office
State Water Patrol Reynolds County Sheriff Springfield Office
Department of Corrections Shannon County Sheriff St. Louis Office
(37th District Juvenile Office) Cape Girardeau County Sheriff Kansas City Office
Missouri State Highway Patrol Wayne County Sheriff United States Secret Service
(Troops C, D, E, F, G, I; Division Ripley County Sheriff United States Park Services
of Drug and Crime Control Iron County Sheriff United States Forest Service
Investigators; Crime Lab Personnel Bollinger County Sheriff United States Attorney's Offices
West Plains Police Cape Girardeau
Van Buren Police St. Louis
Doniphan Police Federal Bureau of Investigation
Sikeston Department of Public Safety
St. Louis County Police
Carter County PA Office
Dunklin County PA Office
Ripley County PA Office
Carter County Coroner's Office
Mineral Area Regional Medical Center
Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force
South Central Drug Task Force
River Hills Drug Task Force
Batesville Arkansas Police
White County Arkansas Sheriff

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