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William Henry Phillips
Incident
Investigator William Phillips was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a smuggling suspect at a home on the 4200 block of South Fourth Avenue in Tucson, Arizona, at approximately 6:00 am. Investigator Phillips was standing outside of the home as two other agents spoke to someone inside of the home. The other agents heard two shots and ran outside, finding Investigator Phillips suffering two gunshot wounds. He was transported to Pima County Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. The suspect fled to Mexico following the murder and was arrested by Mexican authorities. He was tried and convicted in Mexico but later escaped from prison. He was shot and killed a short time later when he attempted to run a Mexican road block.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
28 years. You could have gone home.
Investigator Phillips gave the United States Department of Justice 28 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Investigator Phillips.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
United States Department of Justice - Immigration and Naturalization Service - Investigations has lost 5 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 754 officers killed feloniously in DC, 53.1% of the 1,419 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1970, 1 officer in DC was killed feloniously, the 130th heaviest of 159 years on record. The heaviest was 1922, with 20.
In 1970, 138 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 29th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1970, 142 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 60. Of the 580 killed feloniously in DC whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 44; the middle age was 36. William had served 28 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
William was 60. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 28 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 60. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 28 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 8.6% of these deaths in DC; July holds the most, 11.7%. Tuesdays: 12.1%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 60% of all 5 deaths at United States Department of Justice - Immigration and Naturalization Service - Investigations, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.1% of all 1,419 deaths in DC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 35% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
United States Department of Justice - Immigration and Naturalization Service - Investigations has 5 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 55-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from United States Department of Justice - Immigration and Naturalization Service - Investigations are honored on badge.nw.
