Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective William Woods was shot and killed while on an undercover narcotics operation on 7th Street near Walnut Street (Present Day Muhammad Ali Boulevard). He and his partner were sitting in an unmarked patrol car attempting to identify and arrest drug abusers. A man who was high was looking for a dope dealer with the last name Woods. Detective Woods was pointed out to the suspect as being Woods. The man went up to the car and shot Detective Woods without warning. His partner shot and wounded the suspect. The suspect, 28, was apprehended in Dayton, Ohio, a few days later. He pled guilty and was sentenced to life in prison. He was paroled in October of 1943. Detective Woods was the first black police officer with his agency to be murdered in the line of duty. He had served with the Louisville Police Department for 11 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three sons, and a daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-044C7D00- 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.
Detective Woods gave the Louisville Police Department 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Louisville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Woods.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective William D. Woods 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 KY, 755 of 983 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 76.8% of this state's fallen. That is 22.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Louisville Police Department, 51 of 91 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 56% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William D. Woods's cause is highlighted.
How William D. Woods Compares
Offender Outcome
Paroled in 1943
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William D. Woods is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William D. Woods was killed by handgun; .32 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
90 officers from Louisville Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
