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Gwendolyn Ann Downs

Case from Louisville, KY dated May 16, 1977

Victim Details

Gwendolyn Ann Downs

Male

Black / African American

Louisville

KY

1977-05-16

26

Gwendolyn

Ann Downs

07/15/2026

Case Description

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Gwendolyn Ann Downs, a 26-year-old African American female, was a detective with the Louisville Police Department. On May 16, 1977, she and her partner were dispatched to a White Castle restaurant at 7th and Broadway. Upon their arrival, they encountered a situation that would end in tragedy.

At the scene, Downs' estranged husband, Claude Downs, who was also a Louisville police officer but was off-duty at the time, was present. As Gwendolyn approached his vehicle, he tragically shot her b ...
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Links to Additional Sources (3)

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  • Patrolman Gwendolyn Ann Downs
  • Reflections for Patrolman Gwendolyn Ann Downs, Louisville Police ...
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    I recently came across the case of Officer Gwendolyn Ann Downs, and I find myself deeply moved by th... ...Read More
    10/27/2023
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