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

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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

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John, I think of you often, recalling the times you used to stop by a pub I was working an extra job and we had so many conversations about police work. Yesterday we passed the 27th anniversary of your EOW. It’s so sad how all of that happened and how you touched so many lives. I kept in touch with Danielle for a while but have lost contact with her. I finally saw her again at the dirtbag’s execution. She was still grieving but satisfied that the perp as gone. You were a fine young officer destined for greatness. I miss you and look forward to seeing you again in heaven.

Bud Watson, a brother officer
Atlanta PD

October 14, 2024