Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman William Snead was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man who was breaking into a jewelry store at 120 East Broad Street. He had just completed his shift and was walking along the street when he encountered a man who had just broken the front window of the store with a hammer. As Patrolman Snead attempted to arrest him, the man fatally struck him on the head with the hammer, fracturing his skull. The subject then took Patrolman Snead's service weapon and shot him in the jaw before fleeing. A citizen who witnessed the incident followed the man and alerted other officers. The man was shot and killed while resisting arrest. Patrolman Snead had served with the Richmond Police Department for 17 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-4B1C2FA3- 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.
Patrolman Snead gave the Richmond Police Department 17 years.
Thank you for your service to the Richmond community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Snead.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William Stephen Snead 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 VA, 395 of 654 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Richmond Police Department, 20 of 40 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William Stephen Snead's cause is highlighted.
How William Stephen Snead Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Stephen Snead is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Stephen Snead was killed by blunt object; hammer.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
39 officers from Richmond Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
