Login | About Us | Contact Us | Search Connect With ODMP Facebook Twitter
ODMP Remembers...

Trooper Willie James Walker | Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma

Trooper

Willie James Walker

Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma

End of Watch: Wednesday, February 17, 1971

Bio & Incident Details

Age: 33

Tour: 4 years

Badge # 391

Cause: Gunfire

Incident Date: 2/17/1971

Weapon: Handgun

Suspect: Sentenced to life

· Leave a Reflection
· Add to My Heroes
· Update this memorial

Share this memorial:

Trooper Walker was shot and killed after arresting two men for weapons violations at the Fountainhead State Lodge park. He had been called there by park officials who requested assistance in arresting the men. Trooper Walker placed the two men in his cruiser and called for a tow truck when one of the men suddenly pulled out a concealed weapon and shot him. They also killed the park superintendent and wounded a game warden while fleeing.

A massive manhunt was launched and two suspects were arrested approximately eighty-three hours later only a short distance away. Three pistols including the Trooper's service revolver, a rifle, a shotgun and ammunition were recovered.

One suspect was convicted of two counts of first degree murder and sentenced to death. In 1973 his sentence was changed to life without the possibility of parole. The other suspect was convicted of two counts of first degree murder and sentenced to life. In 1983 his conviction was overturned. He was retried in 1985 and acquitted,

Trooper Walker has served with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol for four years.

Leave a Reflection · Update Memorial

View all 10 Reflections

Most Recent Reflection

Forty years ago today. I can still hear the TV announcer's voice saying, "Dead are Trooper Bill Walker, and State Park Superintendent Leo Newton." I was as if a bolt of lightning had hit all in the room. I can still hear the Pastor at Checotah Oklahoma's First Baptist Church say, "Do not blame this on the will of God but rather on the wickedness of men!"
I can still see the throng of brown shirts in the OHP Honor Guard. I can still hear Bill's voice, "Keep casting that spoon right over there by that stick, it will make him mad and he will strike!" What we loose when evil dwells in the hearts of men.

Rev. Paul Ratliff
Nephew
February 17, 2011

 

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now:

(will show below Reflection)
(will show below Reflection)
(e-mail remains private)
Remember my rank, agency and email address
I have read and agree to the Reflections Terms of Use
 
All 2012 Deaths