Patrolman James Boyce was off duty returning home from his shift when he was shot and killed after he responded to a robbery-in-progress at Jackson's Steak House.

   He was shot several times as two suspects exited the restaurant's side door and taken to St. Mary Mercy Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

   Both male suspects were apprehended and charged. A 19-year-old was later convicted in a death penalty case of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. He was again denied parole in 2022.

   A 26-year-old suspect was shot and killed at Ridge Road and Grant Street, in Gary, as he and another jail detainee overpowered a deputy and attempted to escape while being transported to a court appearance, over two months later on December 19.

   Patrolman Boyce was a second-generation officer with the Gary Police Department. He was survived by his wife, 7-year-old son, 3-year-old daughter, mother and sister. His father had served for 20 years with the department and his son had served as chief of police with the Kouts Police Department.