Atlanta Police Department, Georgia
End of Watch Sunday, October 12, 1997
Add to My HeroesJohn 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
Most Recent Reflection
View all 156 ReflectionsJohn, 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
Recent LODD Deaths
Air Interdiction Agent Jeffrey Kanas
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Air and Marine Operations, US
EOW: December 16, 2024
Detention Officer Isaiah Bias
Ellis County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: December 16, 2024
Sergeant Elio Diaz
Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: December 15, 2024
Sergeant Rick Finley
McNairy County Sheriff's Office, TN
EOW: December 14, 2024
Police Officer Jacob Candanoza
Terrell Police Department, TX
EOW: December 8, 2024
Detective Allan Reddins
Oak Park Police Department, IL
EOW: November 29, 2024
Police Officer Jesse Branch
Red Lake Nation Police Department, TR
EOW: November 27, 2024
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Love
United States Department of Homeland Security - Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, US
EOW: October 19, 2024
Police Officer Cooper Dawson
Greenville Police Department, TX
EOW: November 26, 2024