Trooper James Matthew Bava, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri

Trooper James Matthew Bava

Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri

End of Watch Friday, August 28, 2015

Add to My Heroes

James 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 fiancée.

Bio

Age 25
Tour 2 years, 2 months
Badge 162

Incident Details

Cause Vehicle pursuit
Weapon Automobile; Motorcycle
Offender Acquitted of manslaughter

traffic stop, vehicle pursuit

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 136 Reflections

Trooper Bava,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Missouri. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

August 28, 2025