Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Gwen Downs was shot and killed after she and her partner responded to a call at a parking lot of a fast food restaurant at 700 West Broadway. After the officers had waited several minutes and were unable to find anyone who had called the police, Patrolman Down's estranged husband pulled into the lot. As she approached him he pulled out a gun and shot her before committing suicide.
Survivors
Patrolman Downs served with the Louisville Police Department for four years and is survived by her two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-AFD6BCD9- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Downs gave the Louisville Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Louisville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Downs.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Gwendolyn Ann Downs is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In KY, 755 of 983 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 76.8% of this state's fallen. That is 22.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Louisville Police Department, 51 of 91 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 56% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Gwendolyn Ann Downs's cause is highlighted.
How Gwendolyn Ann Downs Compares
Offender Outcome
Committed suicide
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Gwendolyn Ann Downs is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Gwendolyn Ann Downs was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
90 officers from Louisville Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
