Incident
Marshal William Simpson was shot and later died after he and a deputy marshal interrupted three young men and one juvenile attempting to rob the Spradling Cafe on U.S. Route 127 in the early morning of January 13. Marshal Simpson succumbed to his injuries days later. All four suspects, including the one who shot Marshal Simpson, were apprehended. The young man who shot him was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life. He was paroled on April 21, 1960. Two others were convicted of second-degree murder. Both were paroled in 1954. The fourth suspect served five years at the Ohio Boy's Industrial School. Marshal Simpson had served with the New Miami Police Department and St. Clair Township for 20 years. He also served as mayor of New Miami Village for a brief time. Marshal Simpson, a widower, was survived by his seven daughters, three sisters, two brothers, and ten grandchildren. He is buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Hamilton, Ohio.
Survivors
Marshal Simpson, a widower, was survived by his seven daughters, three sisters, two brothers, and ten grandchildren.
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
20 years. You could have gone home.
Marshal Simpson gave the New Miami Police Department 20 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the New Miami community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Marshal Simpson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
William is the only officer of New Miami Police Department remembered here.
William is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 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 1939, 6 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1939, 82 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 79th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1939, 83 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 85th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 64. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
William was 64. 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 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 64. 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 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 9.1% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Tuesdays: 14.5%.
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 100% of all 1 deaths at New Miami Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 24.7% 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.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 5-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
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