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Incident
Patrolman William Keller was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a suspect whom he caught trying to steal brass from railroad engines in the Wabash rail yards in Decatur, Illinois. As Patrolman Keller walked the two suspects to the yard office one of them ran away. As he continued to walk with the second suspect the man suddenly turned and grabbed Patrolman Keller's gun and shot him four times. Patrolman Keller was able to get medical assistance but later died. The suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. On December 11, 1931, he was executed by electrocution at the Menard Correctional Center. Patrolman Keller had served with the Wabash Railway Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and son.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Keller gave the Wabash Railway Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the St. Louis community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Keller.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Wabash Railway Police Department has lost 6 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 415 officers killed feloniously in MI, 59% of the 703 remembered there.
William is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1931, 6 officers in MI were killed feloniously, the 17th heaviest of 124 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 14.
In 1931, 221 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1931, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 38. Of the 400 killed feloniously in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 42; the middle age was 35. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
William was 38. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 38. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 8.7% of these deaths in MI; December holds the most, 12.3%. Fridays: 14.5%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 6 deaths at Wabash Railway Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 59% of all 703 deaths in MI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Wabash Railway Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 17-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Wabash Railway Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
