Roll of Honor
William I. Wright, Jr.
Incident
Wildlife Officer William Wright was shot and killed in Sampson County, near Little Coharie, while making checks on closed season squirrel hunting. He was shot in the chest with a .22 caliber rifle. No suspects were ever apprehended in connection with his murder. Officer Wright had served with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NC-9703AF37- 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.
Wildlife Officer Wright gave the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Raleigh community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Wildlife Officer Wright.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Wildlife Officer William I. Wright, Jr. 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 NC, 385 of 664 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 58% of this state's fallen. That is 3.8 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, 4 of 10 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 40% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William I. Wright, Jr.'s cause is highlighted.
How William I. Wright, Jr. Compares
Offender Outcome
Never apprehended
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William I. Wright, Jr. is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William I. Wright, Jr. was killed by rifle; .22 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission are honored on badge.nw.
