Roll of Honor
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
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NC-E0FF6E04- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Lawrence. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
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
Deputy Sheriff Lawrence George Gowens 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 NC, 385 of 664 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 58% of this state's fallen. That is 58 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Alamance County Sheriff's Office, 3 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 75% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Lawrence George Gowens's cause is highlighted.
How Lawrence George Gowens Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Lawrence George Gowens is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Lawrence George Gowens was killed by shotgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Alamance County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
