Roll of Honor
Incident
Captain Holzapfel was shot and killed by a fellow officer at the police station. The officer, who was very intoxicated, walked into the police station and shot him three times in the chest.
The suspect, who claimed temporary insanity, was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life. He was pardoned on August 17, 1916, by Governor Woodbridge N. Ferris.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MI-15FFC153- 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.
Captain Holzapfel served with the Jackson Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Jackson community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Captain Holzapfel.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Captain John Holzapfel 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 MI, 426 of 718 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 59.3% of this state's fallen. That is 5.1 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Jackson Police Department, 5 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John Holzapfel's cause is highlighted.
How John Holzapfel Compares
Offender Outcome
Pardoned in 1916
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Holzapfel is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Holzapfel was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Jackson Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
