McLean, VA (March 18, 2025) - At one in the morning on December 28, 1985, Meridian, Mississippi Police Officer Alma Walters arrived on the scene of a domestic disturbance call. Catherine Smith had called police when her boyfriend, John Lanier, became enraged and pushed her out of their house. When Officer Walters arrived, Lanier had passed out. The 29-year-old officer awakened him and told him to go for a walk with her to cool off. When they got to the driveway a fierce struggle ensued. Officer Walters was beaten badly and Lanier took her gun and dragged her back inside the house. When a backup officer arrived, Officer Walters bravely warned her colleague not to come in. She yelled, “He’s got my gun.” Lanier then took the gun, placed it at the back of Officer Walter’s head, and pulled the trigger, killing her instantly. The cop killer was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death. Three years later, he was retried, convicted and, this time, sentenced to life behind bars without the possibility of parole. Listen to the podcast to learn more.
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