Special Officer William Henry Letts, Union Beach Police Department, New Jersey

Special Officer William Henry Letts

Union Beach Police Department, New Jersey

End of Watch Tuesday, September 24, 1946

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William Henry Letts

Special Officer William Letts was shot in the head, while off duty and in his home on Columbia Avenue, by a man who was known to him.

Officer Letts was investigating an armed robbery and the man was the prime suspect. Officer Letts died at the scene before medical aid arrived.

On arraignment before the Monmouth County Grand Jury in April 1947 no true bill was returned and the man was not charged. However, the man was convicted of another murder two years later and was executed via the electric chair in 1952.

Officer Letts was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII and had served with the Union Beach Police Department for several months. He was survived by his expectant wife, parents, and four siblings.

Bio

Age 24
Tour 3 months
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Executed in 1952

at home, off duty, retaliation

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"Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen"

Rest in peace Officer Letts.

Lt. John McCarthy - Philadelphia Police Department

August 30, 2024