Family of slain officer asks for help
Lt. Worrell’s killer, a teen at the time, is now eligible for parole under new law; family urges public to write board
Family and friends of slain Texarkana, Ark., Police Lt. Ed Worrell are asking for the public’s help in making sure Worrell’s killer stays in prison.
Supporters of law enforcement and Worrell’s family are asking people to write letters to the Arkansas Parole Board and let them know they believe John Lohbauer should not be granted parole.
Lohbauer, who is now in his mid-50s, was convicted of killing Worrell, 28, and wounding officer James Clark in an ambush outside a Texarkana discount store on Feb. 3, 1977. He is eleigible for parole as a result of Act 539-2017, also known as the “Fair Sentencing of Minors Act.”
Lohbauer, who was 15-yearsold at the time of the shooting,
received a life sentence plus 40 years for the first-degree murder of Worrell and the assault on Clark. He has never been eligible for parole before but has applied for clemency from the governor several times before and always been denied. The last time he applied for clemency was in 2004.
Texarkana, Ark, Police Chief Robert Harrison is adamant that Lohbauer stay in prison and serve his entire sentence.
“As chief of police, I will do everything possible to support the family of Lt. Ed Worrell who was killed in the line of duty by inmate Lohbauer. He was found guilty of murder and the officers and civilian support staff of the Texarkana, Ark., Police Department expect this cop killer to serve his entire life sentence,” Harrison said.
“To this day, Lt. Worrell’s family continues to suffer as a result of inmate Lohbauer’s cold and calculated actions to many years ago. Their only comfort is in knowing this man is locked away and I will continue to do everything within my authority to keep him behind bars.”
Letters to the parole board should be received by May 31. They should be addressed to: Arkansas Parole Board, Two Union National Plaza, 105 W. Capitol Avenue #500, Little Rock, Ar 72201. Letters should also have the name John C. Lohbauer #070497 on them.
Worrell was shot and killed when he and Clark arrived on the scene of a burglary in progress at a store on North State Line Avenue. As the officers exited their vehicle, they were ambushed by Lohbauer, who was standing watch in the parking lot while his two accomplices robbed the store. Both officers were struck by gunfire and Worrell was fatally wounded. All three suspects were apprehended.
Worrell was survived by his expectant wife and two sons. His daughter was born the following September.
His two accomplices each received 20 years in prison but were paroled in 1986.