Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman William Isham and Patrolman Donald Knott were shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance call at 182 Quincy Avenue in Long Beach. The neighbors called the police when a man would not stop beating his common-law wife shortly before 3:00 a.m. Patrolman Knott and Patrolman Isham arrived at the apartment and subdued the angry subject. When the woman went inside to grab her purse, the officers accompanied her inside. The subject followed her into the bedroom, where he shot her in the thigh. The subject then fired at the officers. Both officers managed to return fire, hitting the suspect eight times. Both officers were shot in the chest and pronounced dead upon arrival at Long Beach Community Hospital. The suspect died seven weeks later at Los Angeles General Hospital. Patrolman Isham had served with the Long Beach Police Department for two years. He was survived by his expectant wife and daughter. His second daughter was born a few weeks later.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-46E6EF7C- 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.
Patrolman Isham gave the Long Beach Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Long Beach community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Isham.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William L. Isham 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 CA, 974 of 1,837 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53% of this state's fallen. That is 1.2 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Long Beach Police Department, 13 of 28 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 46.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William L. Isham's cause is highlighted.
How William L. Isham Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William L. Isham is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William L. Isham was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
27 officers from Long Beach Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
