Long Beach Police Department, California
End of Watch Friday, June 24, 1960
Add to My HeroesVernon J. Owings
Police Officer Owings was shot and killed when he and his partner stopped to help what they thought were two men having car trouble on Seaside Boulevard. One of the men produced a handgun and shot and killed Officer Owings. Both men were apprehended.
The gunman was the gang leader responsible for 70 holdups that netted the gang more than one hundred thousand dollars. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death on November 2, 1960. His sentence was later commuted to life.
Officer Owings was a United States Navy veteran. He was survived by his daughter, son, and parents.
Bio
- Age 27
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 17 ReflectionsThanks to everyone for your kind words. My brother and I didn't get to know our father. I had just turned 5 when he died and my brother was 3. It was 54 years ago.
I have been thinking of him often and I believe it is because of the turmoil in our country and especially because of the disrespect and defund police actions. I would hope that if I had a chance to explain to these people about his ultimate sacrifice and how it impacted our family, they would look at their behavior in a different light.
God bless the men and women who still choose to protect our communities.
Sheila Guernsey
Daughter, Sheila Owings Guernsey
October 16, 2024
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