Chief of Police Willard Wayne Hathaway, Sharpsburg Police Department, North Carolina

Chief of Police Willard Wayne Hathaway

Sharpsburg Police Department, North Carolina

End of Watch Friday, July 18, 1997

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Willard Wayne Hathaway

Chief Willard Hathaway succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained the previous day after responding to a domestic dispute call. The suspect also shot and killed his wife during the incident.

The suspect, 25, was apprehended following a search involving several hundred officers. On November 10, 1999, the suspect was found guilty of two counts of first degree murder. On November 18, 1999, he was given two death sentences for the murder of his wife and Chief Hathaway, but the death sentence was overturned and he was sentenced to two life sentences.

Chief Hathaway had served as chief of the 6-man department for 25 years. He is survived by his son. A portion of U.S. 301 through Sharpsburg was named after him.

Bio

Age 47
Tour 23 years
Badge 601

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Thursday, July 17, 1997
Weapon Handgun
Offender Sentenced to two life sentences

domestic

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Another shooting in that old neighborhood today. Made me think of you and the tears just started rolling thinking about that day 27 years ago. Crazy to believe it’s been so long since we’ve seen your smile or heard your laughter. I can see you patrolling the streets of heaven. RIP Wayne!! We surely miss you down here.

Anonymous
Wife of fellow officer

August 11, 2024