Roll of Honor
Incident
Inspector William Davis was shot and killed while he and two other officers investigated a suspicious person call at a home at 1712 68th Avenue. A neighbor had called police to report the occupants had kept "odd hours." The occupants of the home were wanted in Los Angeles for forgery and numerous other crimes. A woman who answered the door told officers no one else was home, however, Inspector Davis saw two men who matched the description of the wanted men inside. As officers attempted to gain entry into the home one of the suspects opened fire through a door, fatally wounding Inspector Davis. The man was apprehended after a shootout with other officers. Inspector Davis succumbed to his wounds two days later. The man who shot Inspector Davis was sentenced to death. He was hung at San Quentin State Prison on February 15th, 1929. The subject's wife and brother-in-law were also convicted of charges relating to the murder and sent to prison.
Survivors
Inspector Davis was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-647AF220- 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.
Inspector Davis served with the Oakland Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Oakland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Inspector Davis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Inspector William J. Davis 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 Oakland Police Department, 37 of 54 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 68.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William J. Davis's cause is highlighted.
How William J. Davis Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1929
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William J. Davis is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William J. Davis was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
53 officers from Oakland Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
