Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Bill Smith was shot and killed after responding to a disturbance call on Harrison Street. Several residents had called the police department to complain about a man walking down the street and cursing loudly. When Patrolman Smith located the man on 4th Street, he was immediately attacked. The man started striking Patrolman Smith with a stick, severely injuring him. Patrolman Smith drew his revolver and shot the suspect four times. The wounds, however, did not stop the suspect, who continued beating Patrolman Smith, who dropped his service revolver. The suspect picked up the gun and shot the patrolman in the back as he lay on the ground. The suspect was taken into custody following the shooting. He died from his wounds five days later. Patrolman Smith served with the DeQuincy Police Department for ten years in a part-time capacity.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and three sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-LA-90555FFC- 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.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Smith gave the DeQuincy Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the DeQuincy community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William L. Smith 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 LA, 364 of 595 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.2% of this state's fallen. That is 7 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 L. Smith's cause is highlighted.
How William L. Smith Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William L. Smith is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William L. Smith was killed by officer's handgun.