Officer William Lee Bowlin, Metro Nashville Police Department, Tennessee

Officer William Lee Bowlin

Metro Nashville Police Department, Tennessee

End of Watch Wednesday, August 4, 1982

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William Lee Bowlin

Officer Bowlin was shot and killed when he was ambushed at the scene of a domestic dispute call at 1213 Litton Avenue. He and two other officers had responded to the call after reports of shots fired and attempted to make contact with the residents of the home.

The domestic argument stemmed from a court judgement earlier in the day when the suspect was ordered to give his ex-girlfriend and former lawn care business partner, two lawnmowers and a car. The suspect fled the house with a high-powered weapon and stood at one corner of the building as the officers approached.

After not receiving a response at the door the other two officers walked around back and Officer Bowling began to return to his cruiser. As he walked towards the car he was shot in the head by a suspect who was hiding in nearby bushes.

The 54-year-old suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life. His last prison mug shot was posted in 2003 and he was paroled at some point after that.

Officer Bowlin had been with the agency for just under five years. He was survived by his wife, mother, and father, who was head of the Metro Intelligence Division. Bowlin was killed on his 2-month wedding anniversary.

Bio

Age 27
Tour 5 years
Badge 1073

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle
Offender Paroled

ambush, domestic

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Most Recent Reflection

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Bill Bowlin,

This is not my first visit to this page, but it’s my first time to write on it.

You were in my life for such a short time as my brother-in-law, but you have had a lifelong impact on me and my daughter.

In the 33 years since you have been gone, your name has come up countless times between me and her.

I remember so fondly having my first holiday dinner with you, your dad, his wife, Jody, your brother Gary, and your stepbrother Travis. We bantered and laughed at the dinner table so much that I felt like I had hit the jackpot to be a part of your family. Actually, I honored to have entered your family.

From the many conversations among our lot, I vividly recall you and your dad explaining to others of us how and why domestic calls were the most dangerous to answer. No one knew then what we all know now.

On a brighter note, I recall your infectious laughter after your dad told the story about catching his hand in a car door after he had locked it. He was in so much pain, but but his problem was compounded when he realized his keys were in the opposite pocket. He yelled for you to come fish his keys out of his pocket for him, but you couldn’t control yourself from laughter after you saw his dilemma. He said that you laughed so hard that you couldn’t help him until he repeatedly begged you to come to your senses. Even at the telling of that story, you bellowed with laughter until rest of us were in stitches as well. In the end, we all made fun of you for having such a morbid sense of humor. I smile even now as I recall that story.

I wish that we could have made more family memories throughout the years, but I am certainly grateful for the few that I still have.

Your brother and I did have a successful marriage, but I kept the Bowlin name simply because I felt so proud to have it.

Virginia Bowlin
Former Sister-in-law.

November 10, 2025