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Incident
Police Officer William Mitchell was shot and killed after being dispatched to a disturbance at a local saloon on North Sixth Street, near Austin Street. While dismounting his horse he was shot several times.
Officer Mitchell had served with the Waco Police Department for only six months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three daughters.
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.
Police Officer Mitchell served with the Waco Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Waco community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Mitchell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Waco Police Department has lost 11 officers; 9 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 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 1900, 1 officer at Waco Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1900, 11 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 44th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1900, 86 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 74th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1900, 89 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 77th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 36. Of the 9 killed feloniously at Waco Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 36 and 42; the middle age was 39. William had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 36. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. William had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
William was 36. 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 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 36. 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 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 11.1% of these deaths at Waco Police Department; February holds the most, 22.2%. Saturdays: 22.2%.
October holds 7.2% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Saturdays: 16.6%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 81.8% of all 11 deaths at Waco Police Department, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, 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.
His people
Waco Police Department has 11 officers remembered here, William among them.
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Laban John Hoffman Jan 6, 1871
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Alpheus D. Neill Feb 6, 1877
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William Davis Mitchell
Oct 27, 1900
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Charles M. Gantz
Aug 8, 1923
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Urby Joe Thompson
Jul 24, 1933
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J. M. Baskin
Aug 28, 1936
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Elmer Huddleston
Jul 2, 1940
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Holly Ray Anderson
Oct 8, 1940
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Donald Hartley Basquette
Feb 11, 1969
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Roger E. Barrett
Jun 12, 1976
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John Robert Vicha
Aug 29, 1989
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 21-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
10 officers from Waco Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
