Headstone of William Wilson
U.S. Marine Corps · United States United States

William Wilson

1934

William C. Wilson served the U.S. Marine Corps.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened
Police Officer William Wilson was shot to death when he was accompanying a theater manager, making his night deposit at 9:20 p.m. While Officer Wilson was attempting to deposit money at the bank on Kensington Avenue and Huntingdon Street, five youths approached him from behind. After knocking Officer Wilson down, they fired six bullets into his torso. The theater manager, who was waiting in the car, hid under the seats when the subjects fired at him and deluged the vehicle with bullets. Then, they shot Officer Wilson five more times. He was transported to Episcopal Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds. Four suspects were later arrested. The youths had a lengthy criminal record and were all on probation. Two of the suspects were convicted and sentenced to life in prison. The other two suspects were convicted of Officer Wilson's murder and subsequently executed on April 8, 1935. Officer Wilson was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of WWI and had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for 13 and a half years.
Survivors
He was survived by his daughter.
Photograph of William Wilson
Photograph of William Wilson
Service Record
U.S. Marine Corps
Also Served
Philadelphia Police Department
Police Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtnftkb6z2xmvad4p53ga
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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