Lt. Paul Knowles – Special Investigation Unit Supervisor
Demographic
38-year-old White Male, Non-Hispanic, 74″ tall, 215 pounds at the time of death. Died as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. (See Simulated Autopsy Report). The weapon was located at the scene and next to the victim along with his police badge and identification. The weapon was a .45 caliber Colt Commander. Records revealed this was Paul’s off-duty firearm. Another victim, Karen Knowles (Paul’s wife) was located in the residence in the master bedroom. Karen was a 35-year-old White Female, 68” tall, 115 pounds at the time of death. She died from a single-gunshot wound to the right side of her head. A .45 caliber shell casing was located near her body.
Paul had just completed his administrative duties supervising the early morning service of a drug search warrant resulting in the seizure of 4 kilos of cocaine, $325,000.00 cash, fifteen firearms and the arrest of 21 individuals. He was stopped briefly in the hallway by his Captain and graciously received the congratulations on a job well-done. Paul told his Captain thank you and that he was looking forward to having the next 4 days off-duty. Paul left the office, drove home arriving at 10:10am and signed out with dispatch.
The 911 Center Report
At 10:54am the city’s 911 center received a call from 1624 Desoto Drive. The caller identified himself as Lt. Paul Knowles and requested a patrol unit be sent to this address. He further stated that there had been a murder-suicide and there was no need to rush to the scene. When the dispatcher asked if he knew the victims, Paul replied, “Yes, my wife, Karen Knowles and myself.” The dispatcher stated, “I don’t understand,” and Paul reported, “My wife is dead and just as soon as your unit arrives on scene I am also.” Paul further told the dispatcher, “Advise your responding unit that the front door is unlocked and opened, there is no need to knock.”
At 11:01am, dispatch recorded the arrival the Patrol Unit #317. Paul had remained on the line with the 911 center and as Paul heard the responding unit acknowledge “10-96 (on scene),” a single gunshot was heard over the phone line and outside by the responding officer. At 11:03am the responding unit contacted dispatch and requested the Patrol Supervisor and the Medical Examiner.
Background
Paul was the youngest of three sons born into a military family. His father and two older brothers all served in the US Marine Corp and at the age of seventeen, he enlisted and served five years with two tours in Afghanistan. Upon Paul’s Honorable-discharge from the Marine Corp, he joined his local Sheriff’s office and quickly ascended the ranks and assignments. During this time, he also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and a Master’s in Criminal Justice Administration.
At the age of twenty-five he met and married Karen. She was three years younger and had just gained employment with the Sheriff’s office as a Patrol Deputy. Karen was promoted to Sergeant and assigned to the Robbery-Homicide Unit. Although they considered having children and raising a family, the daily grind of career development, new assignments and professional advancement placed that consideration on hold. As a married couple they enjoyed traveling in their RV and taking cruises throughout the Caribbean region. Co-workers described them as a loving and caring couple that easily shared themselves with others.
At the time of their deaths, Karen was being promoted to Lieutenant while remaining with the Robbery-Homicide Unit and Paul was being promoted to Captain of Patrol. They were to take their new promotions in five days, when they returned to work from their four-day off rotation.
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