United States of America
Headstone of William Carter Smith

William Carter Smith

Died April 26, 1973

William Carter Smith.

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

Lieutenant William Smith died on April 4, 1973, from a gunshot wound he received on November 10, 1972. Lieutenant Smith was attempting to arrest a murder suspect in Warren County, Kentucky, when he was shot. The suspect was arrested, tried, and convicted of Lieutenant Smith's murder. He died in prison. Lieutenant Smith was a United States Army WWII veteran and had served with the Kentucky State Police for 24 years. He was survived by his wife and son, who also served as a Kentucky State Trooper. A portion of US 31 W in Warren County has been designated the Lt. William C. Smith Memorial Highway. He is buried at Fairview Cemetary in Bowling Green, Warren County, Kentucky.

Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son, who also served as a Kentucky State Trooper.
Media
William Carter Smith
William Carter Smith 0 views
Service Record
Also Served
KY State Police
Lieutenant
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 17-E · Line 13 cut as WILLIAM CARTER SMITH
In Our Keeping
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Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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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.

Lieutenant Smith gave the Kentucky State Police 24 years.

Thank you for your service to the people of Kentucky, 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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