United States Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service - Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division, U.S. Government
End of Watch: Tuesday, March 23, 1954
Age: 64
Tour of Duty: 22 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 23, 1954
Weapon Used: Shotgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 10 years
Investigator William Stuart was shot and killed while serving a search warrant at a home in Monroe County, Alabama, with other federal and state agents.
As they entered a home along the banks of the Alabama River near Claiborne, the still operator opened fire with a shotgun, striking Investigator Stuart in the abdomen. Despite being wounded, Investigator Stuart returned fire but did not strike the suspect. One of the other agents was able to disarm the man and arrest him.
The suspect was charged with murdering a federal agent. He was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 10 years.
Investigator Stuart had served with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Unit for 22 years and had just announced his retirement. He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, and parents.