Headstone of William Shapiro
U.S. Navy · United States United States

William Shapiro

1974

William Nathan Shapiro served the U.S. Navy for 4 years. William also served in the U.S. Navy.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened
Patrolman Bill Shapiro was shot and killed by a sniper who had been shooting at traffic at Baldwin Reservoir at Fairhill Road. Patrolman Shapiro and other officers had responded to the scene two previous times but were unable to locate the suspect. When they arrived the third time, the suspect ambushed them and shot Patrolman Shapiro using a shotgun. It was Patrolman Shapiro's 36th birthday. The 21-year-old suspect was charged with Patrolman Shapiro's murder and found not guilty by reason of insanity and was remanded to a state hospital. He was denied a release on January 13, 1978. On March 30, 1982, he escaped but was recaptured the next day. As of 2016, he was in a mental hospital in Northfield. Patrolman Shapiro was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Cleveland Division of Police for five years. He was survived by his wife, four children, parents, and brother. One of his sons served with the Cleveland Police Department. He is buried at Lakewood Park Cemetery in Rocky River, Cuyahoga County, Ohio.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, four children, parents, and brother.
Photograph of William Shapiro
Photograph of William Shapiro
Service Record
U.S. Navy
1955 – 1959
U.S. Navy
Also Served
Cleveland Division of Police
Patrolman
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtnay0qvshs6fmd0817r2
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by neuraweb.nw
Last updated August 2, 2026

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