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John Burns

Case from Middlesboro, KY dated Feb 06, 1904

Victim Details

John Burns

Male

Middlesboro

KY

1904-02-06

John

Burns

07/12/2026

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 ...
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Links to Additional Sources (1)

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  • Policeman John Burns

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    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
    Has anyone else thought about the role the Princess Theater played in this tragic incident? It's eer... ...Read More
    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
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