Roll of Honor
Incident
Night Policeman William Coleman was shot and killed from ambush by members of a family seeking retaliation against him.
Policeman Coleman had encountered one of the family members the previous day when the man was caught driving recklessly through town. The man and three other family members located Policeman Coleman in front of the Arab Billiard Parlor and shot him several times before stealing his service revolver.
Four of the family members were arrested and charged with first-degree murder. The primary suspect was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. He was pardoned in January of 1951. His pardon along with resent others set off an investigation by the Alabama Legislature in what they considered unjust decisions by the pardon and parole board.
Policeman Coleman had served in law enforcement for over 35 years. He had previously served with the Marshall County Sheriff's Office and Guntersville Police Department.
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BO-US-AL-5AB55E2F- Stewardship
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- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
35 years. You could have gone home.
Night Policeman Coleman gave the Arab Police Department 35 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Arab community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Policeman Coleman.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Night Policeman William Richard "Billy" Coleman is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In AL, 405 of 643 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63% of this state's fallen. That is 8.8 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William Richard "Billy" Coleman's cause is highlighted.
How William Richard "Billy" Coleman Compares
Offender Outcome
Paroled in 1951
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Richard "Billy" Coleman is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Richard "Billy" Coleman was killed by handgun; .32 caliber.