Fort Smith Police Department, Arkansas
End of Watch Monday, January 5, 1981
Add to My HeroesWilliam Ray Tate
Detective Tate was shot and killed after being abducted along with three crime victims. A woman and a co-worker had gone to the police station to report that the woman's husband was missing. After taking the report Detective Tate followed the two back to her residence. He advised dispatch of his arrival and then made no further contact.
The bodies of Detective Tate, the woman, and the co-worker were found the following day. Detective Tate had been restrained in his own handcuffs and had been shot in the back of the head. The body of the missing husband was found in a nearby recreation area. A suspect was apprehended and charged with four counts of kidnapping and murder. The suspect was convicted of all counts and sentenced to death but died in prison.
Detective Tate had been with the agency for four years and was survived by his wife, son, daughter and sister.
Bio
- Age 33
- Tour 4 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
- Offender Died in prison
Most Recent Reflection
View all 23 ReflectionsThank you sir for your courage and dedication. You are a hero in every sense of the word. I pray for your family. I know after all these years that it still hurts. Rest in peace sir. You earned it
Jerry
Fellow citizen
January 5, 2024
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