Police Officer Vernon J. Owings

Police Officer Vernon J. Owings

Long Beach Police Department, California

End of Watch Friday, June 24, 1960

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Vernon J. Owings

Police Officer Owings was shot and killed when he and his partner stopped to help what they thought were two men having car trouble on Seaside Boulevard. One of the men produced a handgun and shot and killed Officer Owings. Both men were apprehended.

The gunman was the gang leader responsible for 70 holdups that netted the gang more than one hundred thousand dollars. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death on November 2, 1960. His sentence was later commuted to life.

Officer Owings was a United States Navy veteran. He was survived by his daughter, son, and parents.

Bio

  • Age 27
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Sentenced to life

ambush

Most Recent Reflection

View all 16 Reflections

Nice to see a photo of Vern posted on this page. I remember when he and my father visited my First Grade Class sometime in March/April 1960. They were both in their winter police uniforms.

Ken O’Farrell
The son of a partner of Vern’s.

February 26, 2022

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