Roll of Honor
Incident
Marshal William Simpson was shot and later died after he and a deputy marshal interrupted three young men and one juvenile attempting to rob the Spradling Cafe on U.S. Route 127 in the early morning of January 13. Marshal Simpson succumbed to his injuries days later. All four suspects, including the one who shot Marshal Simpson, were apprehended. The young man who shot him was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life. He was paroled on April 21, 1960. Two others were convicted of second-degree murder. Both were paroled in 1954. The fourth suspect served five years at the Ohio Boy's Industrial School. Marshal Simpson had served with the New Miami Police Department and St. Clair Township for 20 years. He also served as mayor of New Miami Village for a brief time. Marshal Simpson, a widower, was survived by his seven daughters, three sisters, two brothers, and ten grandchildren. He is buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Hamilton, Ohio.
Survivors
Marshal Simpson, a widower, was survived by his seven daughters, three sisters, two brothers, and ten grandchildren.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-OH-637C9754- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
20 years. You could have gone home.
Marshal Simpson gave the New Miami Police Department 20 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the New Miami community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Marshal Simpson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Marshal William Simpson 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 OH, 572 of 991 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.7% of this state's fallen. That is 3.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William Simpson's cause is highlighted.
How William Simpson Compares
Offender Outcome
robbery
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Simpson is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Simpson was killed by gun; unknown type.