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Incident
Officer Molly Thomas-Bowden of the Columbia Police Department succumbed on January 10, 2005, to gunshot wounds sustained during a traffic stop one month earlier — wounds that proved unsurvivable despite her fight to live.
During the stop, Officer Thomas-Bowden was shot in the shoulder. As she moved to the rear of the suspect's vehicle seeking cover, the suspect exited and shot her in the neck. When she fell, he fired twice more, striking her neck a second time.
The following morning, the same suspect shot and wounded another Columbia officer conducting surveillance at the suspect's mother's home. The suspect then took his own life.
Officer Thomas-Bowden had served the Columbia Police Department for three and a half years.
Survivors
She is survived by her husband — himself an officer with the Columbia Police Department — two stepsons, her parents, and a brother.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Police Officer Thomas-Bowden gave the Columbia Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Columbia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Thomas-Bowden.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Columbia Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Molly is one of 527 officers killed feloniously in MO, 63.6% of the 829 remembered there.
Molly is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Molly is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2005, 5 officers in MO were killed feloniously, the 29th heaviest of 146 years on record. The heaviest was 1920, with 16.
In 2005, 73 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 96th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2005, 81 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 87th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Molly was 26. Of the 477 killed feloniously in MO whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. Molly had served 3.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Molly was 26. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Molly had served 3.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Molly was 26. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Molly had served 3.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 8.9% of these deaths in MO; December holds the most, 11%. Thursdays: 12%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Columbia Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .380 caliber, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.6% of all 829 deaths in MO, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .380 caliber, in 0.2% 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; .380 caliber, in 0.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .380 caliber, in 0.1% of these deaths.
Her people
Columbia Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Molly among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 46-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Columbia Police Department are honored on badge.nw.