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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
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Salt Lake City Police Department has lost 23 officers; 14 of them killed feloniously.
David is one of 84 officers killed feloniously in UT, 60.9% of the 138 remembered there.
David is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
David is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1923, 2 officers at Salt Lake City Police Department were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1923, 2 officers in UT were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 62 years on record. The heaviest was 1913, with 6.
In 1923, 199 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1923, 200 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
David had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
David had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
David had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 21.4% of these deaths at Salt Lake City Police Department, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.3%.
October holds 10.7% of these deaths in UT; May holds the most, 14.3%. Fridays: 14.3%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 60.9% of all 23 deaths at Salt Lake City Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 57.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.9% of all 138 deaths in UT, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 31% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Salt Lake City Police Department has 23 officers remembered here, David among them.
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William Cooke Oct 18, 1858
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Andrew H. Burt
Aug 25, 1883
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Alonzo M. Wilson
Apr 12, 1894
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Charles S. Ford
Dec 14, 1907
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Charles C. Riley
Oct 5, 1909
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John H. Johnston
Jul 8, 1911
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Thomas F. Griffiths
Jun 25, 1913
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Green B. Hamby
Feb 8, 1921
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Nephi P. Pierce
Mar 26, 1923
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David H. Crowther
Oct 12, 1923
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Nolan W. Huntsman
Feb 15, 1924
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Brigham H. Honey
Feb 16, 1924
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Gustave J. Lund
Aug 25, 1924
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Rollin R. Tanner
Sep 10, 1927
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Carl J. Carlson
Mar 9, 1929
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Blaine L. Baxter
Sep 4, 1935
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Thomas W. Stroud
Jan 5, 1951
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Owen T. Farley
May 23, 1951
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Harold A. Peterson, Sr.
Oct 27, 1954
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Percy Lindsay Clark
Jan 11, 1973
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Ronald L. Heaps
Jan 13, 1982
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Michael J. Dunman
Jul 17, 2000
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James E. Faraone
Sep 18, 2001
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 31-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
22 officers from Salt Lake City Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
