No Parole for Cop Killers

Help stop the parole of the killer of Sergeant James D. Shepherd

Sergeant James D. Shepherd

Oregon State Police, Oregon

End of Watch Thursday, May 22, 1980

Write Your Letter

Make any personal touches you wish to the letter below.
Click the button to continue to the next and final step.

Special Instructions: Letters are due on October 22, 2025. You can email or mail your letter.

Copy our letter or write your own.

Include Michael E. Sture, inmate #4283784, in all correspondence.

Email: Robyn.L.Masella@paroleboard.oregon.gov
Subject: Michael E. Sture, inmate #4283784

Mail:
Board of Parole & Post-Prison Supervision
Robyn Masella, Victims’ Specialist
1321 Tandem Ave NE
Salem, OR 97301

* Bold fields are required

Parole Letter

Subject

Your message

To whom it may concern,

I respectfully ask that parole be denied for Michael Sture, inmate #4283784, who murdered Sergeant James D. Shepherd of the Oregon State Police on May 22, 1980.

Recently released from jail, inmate #4283784 shot Sergeant Jim Shepherd twice in the head and then stole Jim Shepherd's motorcycle. When inmate #4283784 encountered Officer Brian Johnson on the road, he forced him to lie on the ground and robbed him before fleeing the area. He was not apprehended until six days later.

Sergeant James D Shepherd was only 49 years old when he was murdered. Not only did he serve the country as an Air Force veteran of the Korean War, Sergeant Shepherd was a dedicated law enforcement officer with the Oregon State Police for 23 years. Within the community, Sergeant Jim Shepherd was admired and personable. He and his wife volunteered with the First Lutheran Church in Knappa and the Bethany Lutheran Church in Warren. Jim Shepherd was an outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed camping and riding motorcycles with his friends. He was an avid woodworker and mechanic, spending his free time remodeling his home and working on cars. Most importantly, Jim Shepherd was a devoted and beloved son, brother, uncle, husband, and father. His son and daughter lost their dad in their youth.

Initially, inmate #4283784, who had a criminal record, pleaded not guilty, but a few months later, he entered a plea of guilty to avoid the death penalty. He received a sentence of life in prison for the murder of Sergeant James Shepherd and twenty years for robbery.

Parole is a privilege and not a right. As a concerned citizen and in the interest of public safety, I again respectfully ask that you DENY PAROLE to inmate #4283784. Justice demands that Michael Sture serve his complete sentence of life in prison.

Sincerely,

Your full name

Your city / state *

* Your city / state is optional and may be made part of the public record if provided.