Patrolman William Jefferson Smith, Charleston Police Department, West Virginia

Patrolman William Jefferson Smith

Charleston Police Department, West Virginia

End of Watch Wednesday, September 29, 1948

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William Jefferson Smith

Patrolman William Smith was shot and killed by the wife of a man he was attempting to arrest outside a bar in the 600 block of Court Street.

The woman and her husband were arguing loudly and profanely on a street corner. Patrolman Smith attempted to arrest the man when his warning to be more quite was ignored. As he struggled with the man the wife shot him in the back of the head.

The woman was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to five to 18 years in the women's prison at Pence Springs on March 4th, 1949.

Patrolman Smith was a U.S. Army veteran of WWI and had served with the Charleston Police Department for 16 years. He is survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter.

Bio

Age 51
Tour 16 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .45 caliber
Offender Sentenced to 18 years

arrest attempt, disorderly

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Patrolman Smith,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during World War I. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 29, 2023