Roll of Honor
Incident
City Marshal John Howard was shot and killed by the man he replaced as city marshal just one day after being sworn in. The suspect, angry about his dismissal and replacement, began shooting up the 100 block of West Reno Street. When Marshal Howard responded a gun battle ensued and Marshal Howard was shot and killed. The suspect was wounded. He was tried and acquitted on self-defense, not unusual in a mutual combat situation for that time. However, the shooter was later convicted of murder and sentenced to death. His sentence was reduced to life in prison and the suspect was pardoned after serving eight years in prison.
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BO-US-OK-7881FD9B- Stewardship
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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
137 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
City Marshal Howard served with the Oklahoma City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Oklahoma City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
City Marshal John Howard 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 97,772 officers honored here.
In OK, 403 of 582 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.2% of this state's fallen. That is 69.2 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Oklahoma City Police Department, 20 of 33 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John Howard's cause is highlighted.
How John Howard Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Howard is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Howard was killed by rifle.
Others Who Wore This Badge
32 officers from Oklahoma City Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
