Louisville Police Department, Kentucky
End of Watch: Monday, May 16, 1977
Age: 26
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: May 16, 1977
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Committed suicide
Patrolman Gwen Downs was shot and killed after she and her partner responded to a call at a parking lot of a fast food restaurant at 700 West Broadway.
After the officers had waited several minutes and were unable to find anyone who had called the police, Patrolman Down's estranged husband pulled into the lot. As she approached him he pulled out a gun and shot her before committing suicide.
Patrolman Downs served with the Louisville Police Department for four years and is survived by her two daughters.