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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Lawrence Gowens was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance two doors away from the jail in Graham. Deputy Gowens, who also served as the county jailer, heard a woman's screams when her husband shot her in the arm. He ran to the home and confronted the suspect, who shot him with a shotgun. Deputy Gowens was taken to Rainey Hospital where he died 90 minutes later. The subject was convicted of Deputy Gowens' murder and sent to prison. He was later released and has since died.
Survivors
Deputy Gowens was survived by his wife, two sons, and three daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Gowens served with the Alamance County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Graham community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Gowens.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Alamance County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Lawrence is one of 385 officers killed feloniously in NC, 58% of the 664 remembered there.
Lawrence is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Lawrence is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1936, 6 officers in NC were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 127 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 12.
In 1936, 136 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1936, 136 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 38th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Lawrence was 49. Of the 370 killed feloniously in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39.
Lawrence was 49. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Lawrence was 49. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 7.3% of these deaths in NC; May holds the most, 11.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Alamance County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58% of all 664 deaths in NC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 13.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Alamance County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, Lawrence among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 64-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Alamance County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
