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Incident
City Marshal John Bowman was assassinated by a suspect who fired a shotgun through the front window of Marshal Bowman’s residence near Cross Street. He was shot as an act of revenge for his tough stance against drinking and gambling. The murder took place in front of his wife and four children. The suspect was arrested, convicted of murder, and sentenced to death. Two hours before his execution the Florida governor issued a stay of execution. The man escaped from prison in 1913 and was never recaptured. Marshal Bowman had served with the Punta Gorda Police Department for seven years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
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.
Marshal Bowman gave the Punta Gorda Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Punta Gorda community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Marshal Bowman.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Punta Gorda Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1903, 4 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 48th heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1903, 103 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1903, 106 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 57th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 45. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36. John had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
John was 45. 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. John had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 45. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 9.7% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Thursdays: 14%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Punta Gorda Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 9% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Punta Gorda Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 54-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Punta Gorda Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
