Patrolman William F. McDonald, Binghamton Police Department, New York

Patrolman William F. McDonald

Binghamton Police Department, New York

End of Watch Tuesday, November 30, 1920

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William F. McDonald

Patrolman William McDonald was shot and killed while questioning a robbery suspect. The man was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.

The suspect was paroled in 1945. On December 17, 1948, he shot and killed the proprietor of a store he got into an argument with in Gravity, Pennsylvania. He was convicted of first degree murder and sent back to prison for life on June 20, 1949.

Patrolman McDonald had been with the agency for five years. He was survived by his expectant wife and 1-year-old son and is buried in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Johnson City, Broome County, New York.

Bio

Age 35
Tour 5 years
Badge 48

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Paroled in 1945

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The 1948 murder took place in my home county (Wayne) in Pennsylvania. I came across an article on the murder on a historical site that mentioned the 1920 murder of Officer McDonald. Even today murder is a rare occurrence in Wayne county and it must have been all the more shocking when it was realized Swingle had killed before. My former department has experienced 30 line of duty deaths in its history. It's gratifying to see that Officer McDonald is still remembered and honored by his descendants.

Cpl. Michael J. McGraw #766 (retired)
Prince George's County Police Department (MD)

March 3, 2021