Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri
End of Watch Friday, August 28, 2015
Add to My HeroesJames Matthew Bava
Trooper James Bava was killed in a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of Highway FF and County Road 977, in Audrain County, shortly before 8:30 am.
He was pursuing a speeding motorcycle when his patrol car crashed.
The driver of the motorcycle was arrested on November 23rd, 2015, following a three-month long investigation. The man was charged with second-degree murder, resisting a lawful stop, resisting arrest by a state trooper, careless driving, excessive speeding, and failure to register a vehicle.
In March 2018 the subject Trooper Bava was pursuing was acquitted of manslaughter.
Trooper Bava had served with the Missouri State Highway Patrol for two years and was assigned to Troop F. He is survived by his parents, two brothers, three sisters, and fiancee.
Bio
- Age 25
- Tour 2 years, 2 months
- Badge 162
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicle pursuit
- Weapon Automobile; Motorcycle
- Offender Acquitted of manslaughter
Most Recent Reflection
View all 133 ReflectionsRest in peace Trooper Bava.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 13, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Jacob Eric Salrin
Richland County Sheriff's Department, SC
EOW: September 29, 2023

Community Parole Officer Christine Guerin-Sandoval
Colorado Department of Corrections, CO
EOW: September 28, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Marylin Anjanette Mayo
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: September 21, 2023

Police Officer Darrin McMichael
Arlington Police Department, TX
EOW: September 21, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Ryan Clinkunbroomer
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: September 16, 2023

Governmental Affairs Liaison Michael Elaine Griffin
Mississippi Department of Public Safety, MS
EOW: September 4, 2023

Police Officer Kevin Cram
Algona Police Department, IA
EOW: September 13, 2023

Deputy Sheriff II Auston Smith Reudelhuber
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: September 9, 2023

Detective Robert Garten
Hartford Police Department, CT
EOW: September 6, 2023