Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Larry Whitwell was shot and killed with his own weapon after stopping a vehicle for speeding through Woodland Park at 11:16 pm. Unbeknownst to Patrolman Whitwell, the two occupants had just robbed a local fast-food restaurant. As he was talking with the men, the robbery call was broadcast over the radio, and Patrolman Whitwell observed a money bag in the vehicle. A struggle ensued, and Patrolman Whitwell was shot with his own weapon four times. Patrolman Whitwell was transported to Maury County Hospital where he died during surgery. Both subjects, one of whom was a juvenile, fled but were later apprehended. The juvenile was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 50 years in prison. He was denied parole in October 2012 but was paroled months later. The adult was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life. He was denied parole in October 2020 but has another parole hearing in September 2023. Patrolman Whitwell had served with the Columbia Police Department for three years and previously served with the Belle Meade Police Department for nine years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, mother, and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-ED33A988- 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.
Patrolman Whitwell gave the Columbia Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Columbia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Whitwell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William Larry Whitwell 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%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William Larry Whitwell's cause is highlighted.
How William Larry Whitwell Compares
Offender Outcome
robbery
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Larry Whitwell is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Larry Whitwell was killed by officer's handgun.