Date of Death: August 9, 1979 as the direct result of adversarial action in Cleveland, Ohio.
Cause of Death: On August 9, 1979, Special Agent Johnnie L. Oliver was shot and killed in Cleveland, Ohio, while pursuing fugitive Melvin Bay Guyon, who was wanted for kidnapping, rape, and armed robbery. Special Agent Oliver, who was a SWAT team member, and five other agents went to a house where Guyon was believed to be residing. Special Agent Oliver and another agent went through the front door while the other four agents remained outside. Guyon, armed with a revolver, immediately shot Special Agent Oliver, who was killed instantly. Guyon escaped through the front window. On that same day, Guyon was added to the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" list and was subsequently arrested by FBI agents in Youngstown, Ohio. Guyon was convicted of Special Agent Oliver's murder and received a life sentence. Special Agent Oliver was born in May of 1944 in Karnak, Illinois. After working for the FBI as a file clerk, and serving two years in the military, Special Agent Oliver became a special agent and was assigned to the FBI field office in Philadelphia. In 1972, he transferred to the Cleveland field office.
Burial Location:
Metropolis Memorial Gardens (Massac Memorial Gardens)
Garden of G and SOM, Lot 88A, Space 3