United States of America
Headstone of William Gene Truesdale
U.S. Navy · United States United States

William Gene Truesdale

Died January 27, 1981

William Gene Truesdale served in the U.S. Navy for 3 years and 11 months. William served during the years of the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Cold War.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened

Deputy Sheriff William Truesdale was shot and killed with his own weapon while transporting prisoners from ane extradition hearing back to the old city jail at the intersection of Princess Street and North Street. The prisoner, whose left hand was manacled to a second prisoner, used his free right arm to grab Deputy Truesdale's service revolver as they walked up the stairs to the jail. The prisoner then shot his handcuff off and attempted to flee but was apprehended several blocks away. He was facing an extradition hearing to North Carolina on murder and robbery charges. The man was sentenced to death in April 1981 and executed on October 17th, 1990. Deputy Truesdale had served with the Alexandria Sheriff's Office for eight years. He was survived by his wife and four children. His youngest son, who was only six months old at the time of his murder, was sworn in as a deputy with the Alexandria Sheriff's Office on June 27th, 2012.

Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
Media
William Gene Truesdale
William Gene Truesdale 0 views
Service Record
U.S. Navy
1951 – 1955
Also Served
Alexandria Sheriff's Office
Deputy Sheriff
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 45-E · Line 7 cut as WILLIAM G TRUESDALE
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtndqba9mqycm113khdgy
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.

Deputy Sheriff Truesdale served with the Alexandria Sheriff's Office.

Thank you for your service to the Alexandria community. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Truesdale.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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