William C. Wilson served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Police Officer William Wilson was shot to death when he was accompanying a theater manager, making his night deposit at 9:20 p.m. While Officer Wilson was attempting to deposit money at the bank on Kensington Avenue and Huntingdon Street, five youths approached him from behind. After knocking Officer Wilson down, they fired six bullets into his torso. The theater manager, who was waiting in the car, hid under the seats when the subjects fired at him and deluged the vehicle with bullets. Then, they shot Officer Wilson five more times. He was transported to Episcopal Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds. Four suspects were later arrested. The youths had a lengthy criminal record and were all on probation. Two of the suspects were convicted and sentenced to life in prison. The other two suspects were convicted of Officer Wilson's murder and subsequently executed on April 8, 1935. Officer Wilson was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of WWI and had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for 13 and a half years.
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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.
Police Officer Wilson gave the Philadelphia Police Department 13 years.
Thank you for your service to the Philadelphia 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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