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Incident
Patrolman Larry Whitwell was shot and killed with his own weapon after stopping a vehicle for speeding through Woodland Park at 11:16 pm. Unbeknownst to Patrolman Whitwell, the two occupants had just robbed a local fast-food restaurant. As he was talking with the men, the robbery call was broadcast over the radio, and Patrolman Whitwell observed a money bag in the vehicle. A struggle ensued, and Patrolman Whitwell was shot with his own weapon four times. Patrolman Whitwell was transported to Maury County Hospital where he died during surgery. Both subjects, one of whom was a juvenile, fled but were later apprehended. The juvenile was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 50 years in prison. He was denied parole in October 2012 but was paroled months later. The adult was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life. He was denied parole in October 2020 but has another parole hearing in September 2023. Patrolman Whitwell had served with the Columbia Police Department for three years and previously served with the Belle Meade Police Department for nine years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, mother, and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
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- 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 Whitwell gave the Columbia Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Columbia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Whitwell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
William is the only officer of Columbia Police Department remembered here.
William is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 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 1981, 8 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1981, 126 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 39th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1981, 152 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 32nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 34. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41. William had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
William was 34. 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 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 34. 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 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Sundays: 15.5%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Columbia Police Department. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.4% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 37-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Columbia Police Department are honored on badge.nw.