William Morgan Payton served in the U.S. Army.
Patrolman William Payton was shot and killed with his own gun by a man while investigating a domestic disturbance at a residence near the intersection of 3rd Street and Division Street. As he entered the home the man attacked and disarmed him. The man then shot him in the head. Several bystanders took Officer Payton to Good Samaritan Hospital where he died. The man who shot him fled but was arrestd by a posse. He was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. The Florida Supreme Court granted him a new trial resulting in a conviction of manslaughter with a 15 year sentence. He was given a conditional pardon on July 3, 1933. Officer Payton was a U.S. Army veteran of WWI and had served with the West Palm Beach Police Department for 14 months.
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In tribute
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.
Patrolman Payton gave the West Palm Beach Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the West Palm Beach community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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