Police Officer James Neal Bowers, Columbus Police Department, Georgia

Police Officer James Neal Bowers

Columbus Police Department, Georgia

End of Watch Wednesday, April 4, 1979

James Neal Bowers

Police Officer James Bowers was shot and killed after when he responded to a robbery-in-progress at Majik Market, a local convenience store at 2936 N. Lumpkin Road in Columbus, GA.

The shooter and an accomplice were sentenced to life in prison.

The incident occurred minutes before the end of his last shift with the department. He had recently taken the Bar Exam but had not yet received the results, which arrived with a passing score after his death. He was posthumously recognized during the law school graduation ceremony.

Officer Bowers had served with the Columbus Police Department for seven years. He was survived by his wife and five-year-old son.

Bio

Age 32
Tour 7 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to life

robbery

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Most Recent Reflection

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I was a CI for Neal and Det. Cottner, when Neal worked in Narcotics Division (Codename Bill). I was a 17 Year Old punk in 1974 when Neal busted me with pot at the local Shoney's restaurant. Instead of ruining my life with a narcotics conviction, he allowed me to become a CI for him and Det. Cottner. You could not ask for a finer officer, or better person, than Neal.
I was in a state of shock when I heard about the senseless, coldblooded murder of Neal. I had talked to him about a week before, and he was telling me of his plans to take the bar. I know he would have been as great a lawyer as he was a police officer.
You have been greatly missed, my friend. Because you believed in me and gave me another chance I went on to become a mechanical engineer. I only wish that you had lived to realize your dream.

David ?
Confidential Informant (CI)

August 30, 2014