Joplin Police Department, Missouri
End of Watch: Monday, November 15, 1909
Age: 42
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: November 15, 1909
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Arrested
Patrolman William Smith was shot and killed by the husband of a prostitute he had just arrested.
Patrolman Smith and another patrolman raided a house of prostitution at 803 Main Street. As Patrolman Smith and his partner exited the house with the suspects, they were confronted by the suspect’s husband who shot both of them. Patrolman Smith died from his wounds.
The entire police department was trying to make Joplin as presentable as possible for the arrival of the famous evangelist Billy Sunday. The suspect was apprehended in 1913.
Patrolman Smith is buried at Fairview Cemetery in Joplin, Missouri.