Prev
Incident
Detective William Messer was killed after being dragged to death underneath a vehicle. He and other detectives were making a traffic stop on a suspected drug dealer at the time. When Detective Messer ran to the passenger side of the vehicle the suspect sped away, dragging Detective Messer several hundred feet. Detective Messer was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The suspect turned himself in the next day and was sentenced to 27 years in prison. He was paroled after serving only nine years.
Survivors
Detective Messer was survived by his wife and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpm0b5g1tdm30s2t9fpx- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew William. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Messer served with the Charleston County Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Charleston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Messer.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Charleston County Police Department has lost 6 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 272 officers killed feloniously in SC, 61.5% of the 442 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, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1976, 1 officer at Charleston County Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1976, 3 officers in SC were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 119 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 7.
In 1976, 137 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1976, 162 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
March holds 40% of these deaths at Charleston County Police Department, more than any other month. Fridays: 60%.
March holds 7% of these deaths in SC; July holds the most, 10.7%. Fridays: 15.4%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 83.3% of all 6 deaths at Charleston County Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.5% of all 442 deaths in SC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 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 automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Charleston County Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 23-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Charleston County Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
