Detroit Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch: Sunday, August 14, 1966
Age:
Tour of Duty: 17 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: August 14, 1966
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Never charged
Detective Marlyn Bateson and Detective William Bell were killed when their unmarked patrol car was struck by a drunk driver.
The detectives were en route to assist another unit on a man-with-a-gun call. The officers were stopped at a red light at the intersection of Lafayette Street and Livernois Street. When the light turned green they entered the intersection and were struck by a drunk driver at a speed of 80 mph.
The suspect was never charged in connection with their deaths but was later convicted of murdering nine women.
Detective Bateson, a U.S. Army veteran, was survived by his wife and two children.