Police Officer James Neal Bowers

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.