Patrolman Joseph Andrew Edwards, Columbus Division of Police, Ohio

Patrolman Joseph Andrew Edwards

Columbus Division of Police, Ohio

End of Watch Monday, August 28, 1972

Joseph Andrew Edwards

Patrolman Joseph Edwards was shot and killed when he was ambushed while responding to a call for help.

Patrolman Edwards and his partner Charles McFadden were responding to a domestic violence call. When they arrived at the given address, on Franklin Park south east of Nelson Road, they realized it was a fake call. As the patrolmen were driving through the area, the suspect walked around the patrol car to the driver's side and shot Patrolman Edwards with a 12 gauge shotgun, causing Patrolman Edwards to lose control of the vehicle.

The suspect was apprehended in Beaumont, Texas, January 9, 1973. He was found guilty of first degree murder and sentenced to life. On August 9, 1978, he was released from prison when evidence surfaced that showed the investigation was mishandled. The State of Ohio decided not to retry him.

Patrolman Edwards had been with the agency for two years and was survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

Age Not available
Tour 2 years
Badge 552

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Shotgun; 12 gauge
Offender Released in 1978

ambush

Most Recent Reflection

View all 10 Reflections

Your family lived next to us in the old grey double on Lexington Ave in Columbus Ohio. I still have that picture of you in a white jacket and tie going to the Cotillion back in the sixty's. I remember your mom taking me and your brother Bobby to the drive-in theater in that white Chrysler convertible. I know you are hanging out with my Father(Jim ) Mother (aunt Cecilia ), brother Sonny and your sister in law Poopy. Give them my love

Steve Fields
old family friend

July 18, 2017