Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman William Stephens was shot and killed while questioning a possible burglary suspect. He observed the man riding a horse with another horse in tow. As he was talking with the man the suspect opened fire, fatally wounding Policeman Stephens. The suspect then left the area and sold one of the horses. The buyer discovered a bullet in the horse and contact police. The suspect was arrested and sent to jail where he died in 1930.
Survivors
Policeman Stephens was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CO-A279368E- 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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Policeman Stephens served with the Denver Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Denver community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Stephens.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman William P. Stephens 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 CO, 235 of 360 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 65.3% of this state's fallen. That is 11.1 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Denver Police Department, 55 of 74 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 74.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William P. Stephens's cause is highlighted.
How William P. Stephens Compares
Offender Outcome
Died in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William P. Stephens is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William P. Stephens was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
73 officers from Denver Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
