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William McKinley King
Incident
Constable William King was shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant on a man in Green Tree Hollow, near Malvern. When Constable King located the subject, the man asked that Constable King read the warrant.
As Constable King folded the warrant after reading it, the subject produced a semi-automatic handgun shot him once, knocking him down a flight of stairs. The man then walked down the stairs and shot Constable King two more times, killing him.
The suspect fled the scene and was pursued by a large posse. Two members of the Pennsylvania State Police who were also involved in the search located him at a home in North Berwyn. After a short foot pursuit the officers were able to take him into custody.
He admitted to Constable King's murder and was sentenced to death. He was later executed by electrocution.
Constable King was survived by his father, who also served as a constable.
Survivors
Constable King was survived by his father, who also served as a constable.
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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Constable King served with the Pennsylvania State Constable.
Thank you for your service to the West Chester community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable King.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
William is the only officer of Pennsylvania State Constable - Chester County remembered here.
William is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 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 1920, 12 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1920, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1920, 396 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 23. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
William was 23. 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 was 23. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Sundays: 12.9%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Pennsylvania State Constable - Chester County.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 25-W
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