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Incident
Patrolman Holt was shot and killed as he and his partner attempted to question a man they saw run from an alley and jump into a car. They were able to stop the vehicle on North Western Street, and as Patrolman Holt opened the car's door, he was struck on the head and knocked down. The suspect immediately opened fire, striking Patrolman Holt twice in the head as he lay on the ground. The suspects and Patrolman Holt's partner then traded shots, and the partner was wounded several times. Both patrolmen were taken to City Hospital, where Patrolman Holt succumbed to his wounds the following day. Investigation revealed that the men had been involved in a robbery two months earlier in which Patrolman James McCracken of the Muncie, Indiana, Police Department was shot and killed. Three suspects were arrested in Illinois within a few days. Two of them were sentenced to life in prison, but both were pardoned, one in 1945 and the other in 1959. Patrolman Holt had served with the Springfield Police Department for 13 years. He was survived by his wife, two sons, and daughter. He was buried in Ferncliff Cemetery.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two sons, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
NW-1STY-7H76-Cearlier record number BO-US-OH-257993CF- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Patrolman Holt gave the Springfield Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Springfield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Holt.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Springfield Police Department has lost 9 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Charles is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.7% of the 992 remembered there.
Charles is one of 15,741 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.2% of the 27,543 remembered there.
Charles is one of 17,629 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,910 remembered here.
33,910 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1932, 9 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1932, 210 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1932, 210 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charles was 36. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Charles was 36. Of the 14,215 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 36. Of the 15,849 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 6.8% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Thursdays: 15.4%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 44.4% of all 9 deaths at Springfield Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.7% of all 992 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 24.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.2% of all 27,543 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,910 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Springfield Police Department has 9 officers remembered here, Charles among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 10-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Springfield Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
