Headstone of James Brizendine

James Brizendine

1955

James C. Brizendine.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
What Happened
Police Officer James Brizendine was shot and killed by a civilian who mistook the officer for a prowler at 4233 4th Avenue NE. He and his partner responded to the report of a prowler but didn't find the subject when they searched the yard at the call location. Officer Brizendine began searching the adjoining yard and walked toward the house, shining his flashlight. The homeowner, alerted by his neighbor that there was a prowler in the area and blinded by Officer Brizendine's flashlight, thought Officer Brizendine was the prowler and fired a single shotgun blast, killing him. Officer Brizendine was a United States Navy World War II veteran and had served with the Seattle Police Department for 18 months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
Photograph of James Brizendine
Photograph of James Brizendine
Service Record
Also Served
Seattle Police Department
Police Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtqm4nrc9q3wxfd7mf76f
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by neuraweb.nw
Last updated August 2, 2026

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