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Incident
Officer Edward Graves was shot and killed as he responded to a domestic disturbance. An intoxicated man had gotten in a violent brawl with his wife after he encouraged their 13-year old daughter to drink beer. Hearing the quarrel, Officer Graves walked up to the house and called to the husband, whom he knew by name, through the door. When Officer Graves asked what the matter was, the intoxicated man yelled that it was none of Officer Graves's business and that he would teach him to come onto his property for no reason. He then opened the door and deliberately shot Officer Graves through the heart, killing him instantly.
The Chief of Police and other officers responded shortly after and attempted to arrest the man, who opened fire on them. In spite of being nearly struck by a barrage of gunfire, the Chief and another officer managed to subdue the suspect and take him into custody.
Officer Graves was survived by his wife. He is buried in Ottumwa Cemetery.
Survivors
Officer Graves was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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131 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Police Officer Graves served with the Ottumwa Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Ottumwa community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Ottumwa Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Henry is one of 129 officers killed feloniously in IA, 57.1% of the 226 remembered there.
Henry is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Henry is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1895, 1 officer in IA was killed feloniously, the 32nd heaviest of 76 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 5.
In 1895, 74 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 95th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1895, 77 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 95th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Henry was 48. Of the 115 killed feloniously in IA whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 51; the middle age was 41.
Henry was 48. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Henry was 48. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
March holds 10.1% of these deaths in IA; July holds the most, 16.3%. Wednesdays: 20.9%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Ottumwa Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 226 deaths in IA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 11.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Ottumwa Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Henry among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 29-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Ottumwa Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
