Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman William Bell and Deputy Sheriff Marion Wright of the Berkeley County Sheriff's Department were struck and killed on US 17A at approximately 6:00 p.m. by a driver who was under the influence of prescription seizure medication. The man's license had been previously revoked due to his condition and medication.
Deputy Wright, who had just finished his shift and was en route home, stopped to assist a disabled motorist. Patrolman Bell stopped to assist Deputy Wright. As the two officers changed the flat tire on the car, the oncoming driver left the roadway, hitting both patrol cars, the disabled vehicle, and both officers, killing them both instantly.
A witness to the incident apprehended the 28-year-old suspect and held him until other officers arrived. The suspect was charged with felony driving under the influence. His driving record revealed he was at fault in two recent accidents. He was convicted of two counts of reckless homicide and sentenced to two 10-year terms to run consecutively but was eligible for parole after only 4 years. He had been denied parole each year until he was released in March of 2014.
The section of highway where the incident took place was renamed William Boland Bell and Marion Eugene Wright Highway.
Patrolman Bell was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served in law enforcement for 2.5 years. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, five step-children, and three grandsons. His son-in-law is a Summerville police officer.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, two daughters, five step-children, and three grandsons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-SC-12E76DC5- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Marine Corps. One record, 2 gates. William is one person.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Bell gave the Summerville Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Summerville community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
William Boland Bell served in the U.S. Marine Corps before joining law enforcement.
Patrolman William Boland Bell is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,759 officers honored here.
In SC, 271 of 440 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.6% of this state's fallen. That is 61.6 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Summerville Police Department, 1 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William Boland Bell's cause is highlighted.
How William Boland Bell Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Boland Bell is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Boland Bell was killed by automobile; narcotics involved.
Incident Location
Military Service
William Boland Bell served in the U.S. Marine Corps before joining law enforcement.
Visit William Boland Bell’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Summerville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
