Patrolman Marshall Jefferson Sowders Jr.
Longview Police Department
Texas
End of Watch: Tuesday, November 22, 1977

Biographical Info
Age: 28
Tour of Duty: 3 months
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Tuesday, November 22, 1977
Weapon Used: Handgun; .44 caliber
Suspect Info: Not available

Patrolman Marshall Sowders was shot and killed when he made a traffic stop of a suspect while en route to an armed robbery call. The call was the second such call in less than one hour. During his response he noticed a suspicious vehicle, turned his cruiser around, and stopped the vehicle. As Patrolman Sowders approached the vehicle the driver suddenly exited and opened fire with a .44 caliber handgun, striking him several times.

Patrolman Sowders had served with the agency for three months and had previously served with another agency. He was survived by his wife.