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Case Description
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In the winter of 1905, Middlesboro Policeman John Burns was tragically killed in the line of duty. While on patrol, he encountered an ex-convict inside the Princess Theater. When Officer Burns confronted the man and threatened to arrest him for vagrancy, the situation escalated with deadly speed.
The suspect, whose name was not mentioned in the available records, suddenly produced a handgun and opened fire. Policeman Burns was struck and killed by the gunfire. The assailant's shots also c ...Read More
The suspect, whose name was not mentioned in the available records, suddenly produced a handgun and opened fire. Policeman Burns was struck and killed by the gunfire. The assailant's shots also c ...Read More
Links to Additional Sources (1)
See any mistakes?Victim Details
John Burns
Male
Middlesboro
KY
1904-02-06
John
Burns
12/02/2025
Forum Posts (3)
Hey everyone, I’ve been reading about the tragic incident involving Officer John Burns in 1904. It... ...Read More
06/09/2024
06/09/2024
Has anyone else thought about the role the Princess Theater played in this tragic incident? It's eer... ...Read More
10/30/2023
10/30/2023
Has anyone else been thinking about the location of this tragic event? The Princess Theater sounds l... ...Read More
08/14/2023
08/14/2023
