Police Officer John Richard Sowa, Atlanta Police Department, Georgia

Police Officer John Richard Sowa

Atlanta Police Department, Georgia

End of Watch Sunday, October 12, 1997

John Richard Sowa

Police Officer John Sowa was shot and killed as he and another officer responded to a domestic violence call at an apartment complex at 2430 Morosgo Way at approximately 9:45 pm.

He and his partner were both shot in the head as they arrived at the scene. Officer Sowa was killed and the other officer was critically wounded. The subject then hid in his apartment for six hours before giving up and being taken into custody.

The 44-year-old subject was convicted of Officer Sowa's murder and subsequently sentenced to death on March 3rd, 2000. He was executed by lethal injection on October 19th, 2016.

Officer Sowa had served with the Atlanta Police Department for three years. He is survived by his wife, mother, stepfather, and sister.

Bio

Age 28
Tour 3 years
Badge 4824

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Executed in 2016

domestic

Most Recent Reflection

View all 140 Reflections

I worked with John as a Store Detective back on the early 90's. He was one of my training officers. Immediately, I knew what kind of man he was. A kind man with a huge soul that treated everyone with respect, even the bad guys. He was so happy to be hired by Atlanta P.D. and loved his job. I was honored to represent Brockton Fire Department at his Funeral. I miss him. Justice has been done. May John rest in peace and God hold him close, for John said send me...and he went. God Bless his family, his partner and all Law Enforcement Officers. Know that you are loved.

Michael O'Hare F.F.(ret.)
Former Co-Worker/Brockton Fire Department

February 23, 2018