Washington State Department of Corrections, Washington
End of Watch: Friday, June 15, 1979
Age: 33
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Stabbed
Date of Incident: June 15, 1979
Weapon Used: Edged weapon
Suspect Info: Committed suicide
Sergeant William Cross was fatally stabbed while assisting other officers during a disturbance at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla, Washington.
One inmate was convicted of second-degree murder in connection with Sergeant Cross' death. The inmate committed suicide in his cell after being convicted. A second inmate, who was the brother of the convicted inmate, was acquitted of murder charges.
Sergeant Cross had served with the Washington State Department of Corrections for seven years. He was survived by his wife, parents, and brother.