Roll of Honor
William Washington
Incident
Police Officer William Washington was shot and killed from ambush while responding to a domestic disturbance call at the 2200 block of South Bonaffon Terrace in southwest Philadelphia. The suspect had barricaded himself in his residence after assaulting his wife and children. When Officer Washington approached the house at 5:00 p.m., the suspect shot Officer Washington with a rifle from a second-floor window. The 34-year-old suspect was taken into custody by other officers arriving on the scene. He had been convicted of attempted murder in 1969 and again in 1971. He was convicted of Officer Washington's murder and sentenced to life. Officer Washington was a United States Army Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for nine years. He was engaged to be married at the time of his death.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents and sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-B35EABB0- 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.
Police Officer Washington gave the Philadelphia Police Department 9 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 Washington served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Police Officer William Washington 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 Washington's cause is highlighted.
How William Washington Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Washington is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Washington was killed by rifle; .30-.30.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
377 officers from Philadelphia Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
