Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman James Owens was shot and killed while transporting a prisoner he had just arrested. He had responded to an accident and had transported an injured woman and her boyfriend to the hospital. While at the hospital the boyfriend became disorderly and Patrolman Owens arrested him. As he took the man to jail the man produced a .22 caliber handgun and shot Patrolman Owens in the neck four times. The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death September 18th, 1968. His sentence was later commuted to life. He died in prison in May of 2010.
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- 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 Owens served with the Charleston County Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Charleston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Owens.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman James Owens Jr. is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,775 officers honored here.
In SC, 272 of 442 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.5% of this state's fallen. That is 61.5 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Charleston County Police Department, 5 of 6 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 83.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Owens Jr.'s cause is highlighted.
How James Owens Jr. Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Owens Jr. is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Owens Jr. was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Charleston County Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
