U.S. Army · United States 
Shawn James Leinen
1995
Shawn Leinen served the U.S. Army. Shawn also served in the U.S. Army. Shawn served in the Cold War and Gulf War.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Officer Shawn Leinen was shot and killed while in a foot chase of a juvenile subject whom he had observed breaking into a car. Officer Leinen was in the process of taking a shots fired call when he made the observation. He chased the youth into a dead end when the boy turned and fired, striking him in the chest. The rounds were stopped by his vest but knocked him down and stunned him. The youth then stood over Officer Leinen and shot him in the head. Witnesses heard Officer Leinen shout at the youth "Don't do it man!" before being shot. On September 1st, 1995, the suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. Officer Leinen was a veteran of the Wyoming Air National Guard and served with the Denver Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife.
Service Record
U.S. Army
1990 – 1990
U.S. Army
1990 – 1991
Conflicts
Cold War
Gulf War
Also Served
Denver Police Department
Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqvh61pp5kq1eh4r969x
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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