Roll of Honor
Incident
Sergeant W.C. Stockham was shot and killed by a suspect he was attempting to arrest a disorderly suspect near the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Third Street.
Two patrolmen went to an apartment building after several residents complained about a drunk and disorderly resident. When they arrived the suspect exited his apartment and fought with them. The suspect then pulled a pistol and fired, missing both officers, before fleeing back into his apartment.
The patrolmen called for reinforcements, and Sergeant Stockham arrived with two other officers. The officers again attempted to arrest the suspect and during the struggle the suspect fired again, killing Sergeant Stockham. The other officers continued to struggle with the suspect, shooting him once in the elbow before they were able to subdue him. The suspect was arrested and charged with murder.
Sergeant Stockham was a Union Army veteran and had served with the Memphis Police department for five months.
Two patrolmen went to an apartment building after several residents complained about a drunk and disorderly resident. When they arrived the suspect exited his apartment and fought with them. The suspect then pulled a pistol and fired, missing both officers, before fleeing back into his apartment.
The patrolmen called for reinforcements, and Sergeant Stockham arrived with two other officers. The officers again attempted to arrest the suspect and during the struggle the suspect fired again, killing Sergeant Stockham. The other officers continued to struggle with the suspect, shooting him once in the elbow before they were able to subdue him. The suspect was arrested and charged with murder.
Rest in peace Sergeant Stockham.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis January 16th, 2020
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- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Sergeant Stockham served with the Memphis Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Memphis community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
W. C. Stockham served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Sergeant W. C. Stockham 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 TN, 498 of 769 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 64.8% of this state's fallen. That is 10.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Memphis Police Department, 53 of 94 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 56.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. W. C. Stockham's cause is highlighted.
How W. C. Stockham Compares
Offender Outcome
Charged with murder
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. W. C. Stockham is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. W. C. Stockham was killed by handgun; pistol.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
93 officers from Memphis Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
