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Incident
Patrolman Owen Burns was shot and killed at a home on South Water Street after responding to a disturbance call. When he arrived at the scene, the man causing the disturbance shoved him down. He struck his head on a stove as he fell, allowing the suspect to gain control of his service weapon. As Patrolman Burns attempted to get up, the subject shot him. The subject was arrested and charged with murder. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on December 11, 1926. He was paroled on June 22, 1955. Patrolman Burns had served with the Steubenville Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three sons.
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 Burns gave the Steubenville Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Steubenville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Burns.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Steubenville Police Department has lost 6 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Owen is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
Owen is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Owen 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 1926, 15 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1926, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1926, 209 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Owen was 39. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Owen had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Owen was 39. 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. Owen had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Owen was 39. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Owen had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 6.8% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Sundays: 12.4%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 6 deaths at Steubenville Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 4.2% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Steubenville Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, Owen among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 63-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Steubenville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
