Prev
Incident
Warden William Hoblitzell was shot and killed while investigating reports of hunters in the Kenilworth Woods in Union County. He was shot twice with a .22 caliber rifle as he walked through the woods.
No suspects were ever identified in connection with his murder.
Warden Hoblitzell had served with the New Jersey Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife for 25 years.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtmzzkfe0zbr47s6x7f88- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew William. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
25 years. You could have gone home.
Warden Hoblitzell gave the New Jersey Divison of Fish and Wildlife 25 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Warden Hoblitzell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
New Jersey Divison of Fish and Wildlife has lost 8 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 264 officers killed feloniously in NJ, 40.8% of the 647 remembered there.
William is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1921, 5 officers in NJ were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 101 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 39.
In 1921, 248 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1921, 516 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
Who
William was 61. Of the 247 killed feloniously in NJ whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 25 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
William was 61. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 25 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 61. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 25 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 23.9% of these deaths in NJ, more than any other month. Saturdays: 10.2%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 25% of all 8 deaths at New Jersey Divison of Fish and Wildlife, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 40.8% of all 647 deaths in NJ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 4.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
New Jersey Divison of Fish and Wildlife has 8 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 48-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from New Jersey Divison of Fish and Wildlife are honored on badge.nw.
