Anderson Police Department, South Carolina
End of Watch: Tuesday, April 15, 1947
Age: 41
Tour of Duty: 10 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 15, 1947
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Executed in 1947
Patrolman Willis Sanders was shot and killed while investigating a burglary at the Anderson Creamery at 412 North Main Street.
He and another patrolman were on patrol at 12:45 am when they observed a door to a business that was open. They called for backup and then, when the backup officers arrived, entered the business. As Patrolman Sanders opened an interior door the suspect opened fire, mortally wounding him. The suspect, who was inside the store stealing sugar, was arrested a short time later after other officers fired tear gas into the building.
Patrolman Sanders was transported to Anderson Hospital where he died from his wounds four hours later.
The suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and executed in the electric chair on July 11th, 1947.
Patrolman Sanders had served with the Anderson Police Department for 10 years. He was survived by his wife, son, father, two brothers, and sister.