Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman William Henderson was fatally wounded when he was shot while investigating a suspicious vehicle. He saw the vehicle idling in front of a drug store on 54th Street and noticed a man sitting inside. As Policeman Henderson walked to a nearby call box, the man in the car shot him in the back. Policeman Henderson was transported to Philadelphia General Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds five days later. No one was ever charged with Policeman Henderson's murder, but it is believed that four burglars were responsible for his murder. The four suspects were charged with the murder of Policeman David Wiley, who was shot and killed one month after Policeman Henderson. Policeman Henderson was a U.S Army veteran and had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for 12 years, assigned to the 65th Street and Woodland Avenue Station.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and parents.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-C479B7B0- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 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
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.
Policeman Henderson gave the Philadelphia Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Philadelphia community, and 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 J. Henderson served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Policeman William J. Henderson 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 PA, 597 of 1,261 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.3% of this state's fallen. That is 6.9 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Philadelphia Police Department, 162 of 378 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 42.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William J. Henderson's cause is highlighted.
How William J. Henderson Compares
Offender Outcome
Never charged
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William J. Henderson is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William J. Henderson was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
377 officers from Philadelphia Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
