Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I've never forgotten your name.
I didn't know you. I was just a girl when you passed. But my Father was Manassas Police, and I remember his heart was heavy for your family's loss, and his extended band of brothers' loss.
I'm in my forties now. My Dad passed away 5 years ago, but even in one of our last phone conversations he mentioned you. He asked if I remembered your name and I promised I would never forget.
Thank you for your service, Trooper Bowman

Anonymous

September 12, 2020

You killer may have never been caught and faced justice, but he will surely a higher justice at later time in a different place. God Bless you, your beloved wife and entire family. Thank you for your service and rest in peace always knowing that no passage of time will ever erase your heroic actions and sacrifice.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 19, 2020

36 years ago today you were taken from us and your killer still remains free. You will never be forgotten Johnny, Nikki and I think of you every day and wonder how your murder remains unsolved. I pray every night for answers in hope of your case being closed and your killer being brought to justice. I hope before I leave this world that Nikki and I get the closure we have longed for over the past 36 years. RIP, until we meet again.

Terri Bowman-Hundley, Widow
Widow

August 19, 2020

WUSA9 Posted: August 23, 2019

Murder of Virginia State Police trooper still unsolved, 35 years later

The victim's daughter is now a Manassas police officer - determined to find her father's killer. It is the only unsolved murder of a Virginia State Police Trooper.

MANASSAS, Va. — She sees the killer like a shadow, in a dream only understood years after a man entered her Manassas home and murdered her father, Trooper Johnny Bowman.

She was two years old when it happened. It's the only unsolved murder of a Virginia State Police Trooper in the commonwealth’s history.

"In the dream, it's pretty much like a black figure," Nikki Bowman said in an interview Thursday. "My father opens the door, shadow comes in, and then they fall to the ground, and that's it. Then I wake up."

The killing was nothing short of vicious -- an assailant stabbed Trooper Bowman between 40 to 45 times before dawn on August 19, 1984. His wife, daughter and relatives were inside their Manassas home when Bowman awoke to answer the door.

His daughter would grow up to become a Manassas police officer, who has now spent years of her life reviewing old newspaper clips, accounts from investigations and her own memories.

For Officer Bowman, there are elements of the morning that simply fail to make sense.

"I don't know many law enforcement officers who would answer their door at that time, with no protection," she said. "Especially if you've got a child in the home."

Investigators have assessed whether Bowman knew his killer. Yet after 35 years, there are no arrests and no conclusions.

The FBI is investigating the case since the matter is classified as an officer death in the line of duty. The Bureau is now offering a $50,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest in the case.

"If you're concerned what people may think of you coming forward after all these years, and admitting to having involvement in something of this nature, it can't be any worse than what I've thought of you for the past 35 years," Nikki Bowman said.

"You've had 35 years to exist among society as a decent human being," she said. "And to me, that's not a just consequence for someone how has ended the life of another."

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

August 24, 2019

⋆ 'Rest-in-Peace' Trooper Johnny Bowman, as long as a Virginia State Trooper wears that Patch on Their shoulder, and that Badge on Their chest, You Shall Not Be Forgotten, Sir!

⋆ Colonel C. W. Woodson, Jr. Memorial Gallery
http://www.vsp.state.va.us/memorial_gallery.shtm

David Nichols, Trooper-Pilot, retired
Virginia State Police 'Aviation'

August 20, 2018

My thoughts and prayers are with you Nikki. You are a mirror image of your beautiful Dad. I just watched fox news tonight and the coverage brought me to tears. My your Dad and God protect you always . Love and good wishes from someone you've never met. Sean.

[email protected]

August 19, 2014

May God bless your family always and I pray your murderer will be caught and held accountable soon. RIP

Maj. L. Carter
NSO Retired NPD

August 19, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 29th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections. I hope that you and your family receive the justice that is deserved for your brutal murder.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

March 18, 2013

This reflection comes a tad late of the 26th anniversary of your unsolved murder. I think of you everyday when I look in to our daughter's eyes. We are still hopeful that a resolution will come soon so we can all have closure. Please watch over Nikki, she misses you dearly and thinks of you every day. Hopefully with the use of pages such as this one, Facebook and others, your killer will be found.

Terri Bowman-Hundley
Widow

September 1, 2010

In preparation for an upcoming Vaughn Family Reunion while doing some research for family members I ran across this site which I did not know existed.

A special place at our table will be reserved in Johnny's memory. You are always missed and never forgotten--we know you are in God's loving arms.

Linda Vaughn Broughman
Cousin

March 31, 2010

The worst day of my life was August 19th, 1984, At about 4:00 in the
morning in our quiet little home.
The cries for help and the bloody floor, He just laid there breathing
no more.

The sirens were so loud and piercing,
My mother’s crying echoing through the air.
Everyone thought I was asleep,
But witnessed it all…I was sitting right there.

I’ve heard the expression about
Being stabbed in the back.
But 42 times…there’s no chance.
He’s never coming back.

He was a loving man…carefree and laid-back, He was oh so gentle, would
never hurt a soul.
He was my daddy,
And I his little girl!

I don’t know why he had to go,
I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye.
He was taken from me too quickly,
Why him, take me…I no longer want to cry.

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, My heart is about to
burst.
Please bring him back let him stay for just a minute, Or at least let
me say “I love you” first.

I hate the man who took my daddy from me, I hate that he took him with
stabs from a knife.
It’s all because of him that this was and is… The worst day of my life!



In Memory of my Loving Father,
Johnny Rush Bowman.

I will never forget you,
even though I didn’t really know you.
You will always be in my heart and in my mind!
You may be gone but I’m not far behind.

I will be with you someday,
Someday soon I hope.
For now please just send me
The strength to cope….

I love you!

Nikki Bowman
Daughter

September 16, 2009

Hey Dad, just wanted to stop by and say Happy Birthday. Today you would have been a big 57 lol. I really wish you were here to celebrate it with me. There still isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you. I am working really hard to get into the police field. I want to follow in your shoes. Your life was cut too short so i want to carry on what you would have done.
I love you! Please continue to watch over me and keep me safe.
Love always, Nikki

Nikki Bowman
Daughter

September 15, 2009

Avis, it was nice to see a reflection for Johnny, I haven't seen you since 1984.

Johnny's murder was 24 years ago yesterday and not a day has gone by that we don't think of him. It is a shame that it is still an "Open Case", Nikki and I hope for closure every day and remain confident that it will one day be solved.

Anonymous

August 20, 2008

Hey Dad,

Today is the 24th anniversary of your death and I thought I would stop by and leave you a note.
I still think about you everyday, not a day goes by that I don't. There haven't been any new leads, etc. in your case. I am starting to get very frustrated with the whole thing. I am in the process of taking matters into my own hands. I will be meeting with the current investigators to discuss your case. I want answers! I love you too pieces and I miss you very much! Talk to you again soon.

Love~ Your Nikki

Ashley "Nikki" Bowman
Daughter

August 19, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this anniversary.

Former Police Officer
District Heights Police Dept. (MD)

August 19, 2008

Terri, I think about you often, we just had a police officer killed in Beltsville and it made me think of you and Johnny. Somehow I discovered this page, as I do watch cold cases on TV. Terri, would love to hear from you. Would love to hear how all of your family is doing !

Warmest Regards, Avis (Bennett) Wyckoff

Avis (Bennett) Wyckoff
Cousin

August 6, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 8, 2008

I am a close friend to the Hundley family. His ex-wife Terry is like a 2nd mother to me and I have known his daughter Nikki since I was born.This is the first I have ever really looked into the case,but in case anyone was wondering his surviving family is doing very well.They are great people and living happily.

David Speaker (Student)
ADJ Student at NOVA

October 30, 2007

Hey Dad,
Mom just told me about this page so I thought I'd drop by and leave you a little note. I miss you very much, more than words can say. I hope you are at peace now and I hope that you are watching over Mom and I.
I just want you to know that everyday at least one person that knows us (me, you and mom) tells me that I look exactly like you. Boy does that go straight to my head, to look like my handsome father.
Your case is still motionless, not really going anywhere. The State police have put up signs about the murder all over Prince William County hoping that someone will have some information. Haven't heard anything about it though. The new investigators on your case don't really talk to mom and I. They don't make us aware of anything related to the case. But I guess that's the way the cookie crumbles sometimes. Hopefully one day we will be able to find out who did this to you...you, mom and I deserve at least that.
I love you with all of my heart and I miss you immensely!
Happy belated Birthday!
Love Always~Nikki

Ashley "Nikki" Bowman
Daughter

October 26, 2007

Our daughter will be 26 years old next July Johnny and she misses you deeply. She talks about you every day and still asks questions about you. You would be proud of her accomplishments and happy to know that she is persuing a career in law enforcement. She is having a tattoo of your badge done above her heart that she has been planning for months. We love you and miss you Johnny, and we keep praying that the new task force catches the person that took you away from us.

Terri "Bowman" Hundley
Widow

October 26, 2007

Trooper Bowman,
I'm so sorry your killer hasn't been brought to justice after all these years, but rest assured that he will be when our Lord makes his final roll call. Your family is in my prayers - even after so much time has passed - I know they still have broken hearts. I know all too well that time doesn't heal that, it just helps you learn to deal with it better. Thanks for your service to the great state of VA (I was a LEO in VA in the late 80's). God Bless You Trooper!

Denise
Survivor of Trooper Calvin Taylor

September 1, 2007

You are not forgotten Brother.

Former Police Officer
Warrenton, Virginia

June 9, 2007

Rest in Peace Tropper Bowman. Thank you for your service..never forgotten.

Karen Perrucci
Sister of Ofc. Gary D. Pagano EOW9/14/1982

May 22, 2007

To the family of Trooper Bowman, it was a pleasure meeting you at the 2006 COPS convention. Although we only spoke briefly, you were in my prayers this weekend. I am sure it is still difficult to understand what happened years ago, but Trooper Bowman will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service, Trooper Bowman - you are a hero!

Kelly (Beattie) Byers
Sister of CHP Officer Dean Beattie, EOW 11-19-03

May 15, 2006

Trooper Bowman, thank you for your service.

Michelle - wife of LEO

May 3, 2006