Prev
Incident
Investigator James Burns was shot and killed by a Xenia police officer who mistook him for an armed suspect. Investigator Burns and an aide were conducting surveillance at a Xenia nightclub and followed a group of 16 people who had left the club, believing they were heading to a location serving bootlegged alcohol. The group walked to a nearby home on Main Street to attend a private party. When Investigator Burns entered the home, he was told to leave by the homeowner. When he refused to leave, the residents blocked his exit as they called the local police, not knowing that he was an undercover agent. When the homeowner walked into a different room, Investigator Burns followed him. A struggle ensued between the two men, and Investigator Burns' service weapon fell to the floor. As the two struggled for it, the weapon discharged, fatally striking the homeowner in the head. A Xenia officer was just arriving at the home when the shot was fired, and he entered the home with his gun drawn. He observed Investigator Burns holding his service weapon and ordered him to drop it. When he did not immediately drop it, the officer opened fire, striking him in the chest. Investigator Burns had served with the Ohio Division of Liquor Control for 17 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqphxbt6m37ard4ts0ke- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew James. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Investigator Burns gave the Ohio Division of Liquor Control 17 years.
Thank you for your service to the Columbus community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Investigator Burns.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
James is the only officer of Ohio Division of Liquor Control remembered here.
James is one of 319 officers lost to accidents in OH, 32.1% of the 993 remembered there.
James is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1964, 3 officers in OH were lost to accidents, the 35th heaviest of 125 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 8.
In 1964, 68 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 54th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1964, 84 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 48th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 48. Of the 310 lost to accidents in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 37. James had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 48. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. James had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 48. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. James had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 8.8% of these deaths in OH; July holds the most, 12.2%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
November holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Ohio Division of Liquor Control. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 32.1% of all 993 deaths in OH, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 0.3% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 0.4% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 5-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Ohio Division of Liquor Control are honored on badge.nw.