Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman William Coulter was shot and killed when he and his partner responded to a burglary in progress. As the two officers approached the residence one of two suspects fired a .32-caliber handgun through the front door, striking Patrolman Coulter in the abdomen. The suspects, a 47-year-old man and his 28-year-old son-in-law, were apprehended and convicted of murder. Both were sentenced to 14 years in prison.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-3C3892A0- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Coulter served with the Litchfield Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Litchfield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Coulter.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William Hill Coulter 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 97,772 officers honored here.
In IL, 842 of 1,318 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.9% of this state's fallen. That is 63.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Litchfield 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 Hill Coulter's cause is highlighted.
How William Hill Coulter Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Hill Coulter is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Hill Coulter was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Litchfield Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
