Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman David Crowther was shot and killed by one of three men he was escorting to the city limits. One of the men produced a .32 caliber handgun and opened fire, striking Patrolman Crowther in the head, then placed his body on the west bank of the Jordan River north of South Temple Street. The three suspects then stole Patrolman Crowther's gun, watch, and car and fled to California, where they were arrested. Patrolman Crowther's body wasn't found for two days. The shooter was sentenced to death and faced the firing squad on January 15, 1926. The other two suspects were convicted and later paroled. Patrolman Cowther had served with the Salt Lake City Police Department for at least four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-UT-A41F0EDB- 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 Crowther gave the Salt Lake City Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Salt Lake City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Crowther.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman David H. Crowther 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 UT, 84 of 138 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.9% of this state's fallen. That is 6.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Salt Lake City Police Department, 14 of 23 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. David H. Crowther's cause is highlighted.
How David H. Crowther Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1926
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. David H. Crowther is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. David H. Crowther was killed by handgun; .32 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
22 officers from Salt Lake City Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
