Patrolman Owen Burns

Patrolman Owen Burns

Steubenville Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Sunday, November 7, 1926

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Owen Burns

Patrolman Owen Burns was shot and killed at a home on South Water Street after responding to a disturbance call.

When he arrived at the scene, the man causing the disturbance shoved him down. He struck his head on a stove as he fell, allowing the suspect to gain control of his service weapon. As Patrolman Burns attempted to get up, the subject shot him.

The subject was arrested and charged with murder. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on December 11, 1926. He was paroled on June 22, 1955.

Patrolman Burns had served with the Steubenville Police Department for five years. He was survived by his wife and three sons.

Bio

  • Age 39
  • Tour 5 years
  • Badge 16

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Officer's handgun
  • Offender Paroled in 1955

arrest attempt, disturbance

Most Recent Reflection

View all 12 Reflections

Owen Burns left behind a grieving widow and three young sons all of whom were so greatly affected by this horrible murder. His oldest son was my father, Louis Burns.
Thank you for this memorial. Although I never knew him, it means so much for him to be remembered as the hero he was.

Karen Burns Cortez
Granddaughter

November 17, 2023

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