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 132 ReflectionsRest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
August 28, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths

Border Patrol Agent Daniel Salazar
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: May 17, 2022

Chief Deputy Sheriff Jody Cash
Calloway County Sheriff's Office, KY
EOW: May 16, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Walter Jenkins
Rockdale County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: May 11, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Robert Adam Howard
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: May 11, 2022

Patrol Officer Brian Lee Sember
Ottawa Police Department, IL
EOW: April 3, 2022

Sergeant Nicholas W. Tullier
East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: May 5, 2022

Police Officer Darryl Wayne Fortner
Vestavia Hills Police Department, AL
EOW: April 6, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Nicholas D. Weist
Knox County Sheriff's Office, IL
EOW: April 29, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Douglas Warren Sanford
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: March 29, 2022