Chief of Police William Jack Fancil

William Jack Fancil

Chief of Police William Fancil was shot and killed when he surprised three subjects at about 2:20 am as they were attempting to burglarize the soft drink bottle shed at Big John's Supermarket.

Chief Fancil was beginning to search two of the men when a third suspect came out and began firing. Chief Fancil emptied his revolver, wounding two of the three burglars and was struck by return gunfire from one of the suspects. Chief Fancil was transported to Crawford Memorial Hospital in Robinson where he died from his wounds.

The gunman was convicted of murder and burglary and sentenced to 60 to 87 years in prison. The second suspect pleaded guilty to murder and burglary and was sentenced to 16 to 40 years. The third suspect was convicted of burglary.

Chief Fancil had served with the Oblong Police Department for 10 months and had previously served as a deputy sheriff. He is survived by his wife, two young sons, parents, four brothers, and four sisters.