Sergeant James Delbert Mitchell Jr., 43, was a 16-year veteran of the Amarillo Police Department when he was killed on November 11, 1985. Returning home from work in uniform, he stopped to help at a one-car crash on Interstate 27. The driver, Randall Wayne Hafdahl, fled; Mitchell pursued him. Cornered at a locked gate, Hafdahl shot Mitchell four times with a 9 mm handgun. Mitchell did not have the opportunity to return fire.

Randall Wayne Hafdahl was arrested and charged with Mitchell’s murder. Forensic evidence and testimony at trial contributed to a conviction. Two others who were with Hafdahl that night, Shawn David Terry and Daniel Louis Helgan, were also arrested and faced charges related to the incident. Mitchell was survived by his wife and two daughters; the department remembers him for his bravery and service.

If anyone knew Sergeant Mitchell, was with him that night, or has information about Terry or Helgan’s role, please share what is known.