Police Officer William Washington

William Washington

Police Officer William Washington was shot and killed from ambush while responding to a domestic disturbance call at the 2200 block of South Bonaffon Terrace in southwest Philadelphia.

The suspect had barricaded himself in his residence after assaulting his wife and children. When Officer Washington approached the house at 5:00 p.m., the suspect shot Officer Washington with a rifle from a second-floor window.

The 34-year-old suspect was taken into custody by other officers arriving on the scene. He had been convicted of attempted murder in 1969 and again in 1971. He was convicted of Officer Washington's murder and sentenced to life.

Officer Washington was a United States Army Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for nine years. He was engaged to be married at the time of his death. He was survived by his parents and sister.