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Incident
Special Officer William Wiles was shot and killed while investigating an illegal still. As Officer Wiles and two other officers attempted to arrest the suspect at the still the man ran back to his car and grabbed a handgun. The suspect then opened fire on Officer Wiles, killing him. The other two officers forced him to surrender. The man claimed he shot in self defense. On May 5, 1925, the suspect, 31, was convicted of manslaughter after two trials and sentenced to 10 years. Officer Wiles had served with the Kern County District Attorney's Office for one year and was assigned to the Prohibition Squad. He had previously served as a constable in Wasco for eight years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Special Officer Wiles gave the Kern County District Attorney's Office 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Bakersfield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Officer Wiles.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
William is the only officer of Kern County District Attorney's Office remembered here.
William is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 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 1924, 9 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 25th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1924, 225 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1924, 228 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 8.2% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Fridays: 15.1%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.3%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Kern County District Attorney's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 26.9% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-W
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