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Incident
Deputy Sheriff William Bowman was shot and killed by two men while investigating the theft of chickens.
Two bags of chickens had been located behind a church in Greene Township and Deputy Bowman was notified. He concealed himself nearby and waited for the suspects to appear.
As he heard them approach he stood up to arrest them but they suddenly opened fire on him, killing him.
Both men were arrested and convicted of his murder. One of the men later escaped from prison but was arrested several months later.
Deputy Bowman had served with the Guilford County Sheriff's Office for 10 years.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Bowman gave the Guilford County Sheriff's Office 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Greensboro community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Bowman.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Guilford County Sheriff's Department has lost 5 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 385 officers killed feloniously in NC, 58% of the 664 remembered there.
William is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William 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 1927, 5 officers in NC were killed feloniously, the 20th heaviest of 127 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 12.
In 1927, 220 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1927, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 40. Of the 370 killed feloniously in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. William had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
William was 40. 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. William had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 40. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 8.8% of these deaths in NC; May holds the most, 11.4%. Thursdays: 16.1%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 40% of all 5 deaths at Guilford County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58% of all 664 deaths in NC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 11.2% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Guilford County Sheriff's Department has 5 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 55-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Guilford County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
