U.S. Army · United States 
James Owens
1947
James Haskel Owens served the U.S. Army.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Blunt force
What Happened
Patrolman James Owens was struck in the head and killed by a psychiatric patient who was trying to escape from his cell at General Hospital No.2 at 22nd Street and McCoy Avenue (now Kenwood Avenue). The 32-year-old subject had been committed to the hospital six days earlier after his family complained they were unable to control him. Patrolman Owens went into the subject's room, attempting to calm him down when he became violent. The subject had broken out of his straight jacket and torn out his ventilator. Patrolman Haskins moved aside a chair to help subdue him when he was hit in the left side of his face. Patrolman Owens succumbed to his injuries. Patrolman Owens was a United States World War I Army veteran and had served with the Kansas City Police Department for eight years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
Kansas City Police Department
Patrolman
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtn7e7kn9bsysfh6e797t
Record added
August 2, 2026
neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by
neuraweb.nw
Last updated
August 2, 2026
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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew James. Claim this record.
Be the first to honor James.
Leave a Tribute