Oakland Police Department, California
End of Watch: Thursday, January 5, 1928
Age: 47
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: 159
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 3, 1928
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Executed in 1929
Inspector William Davis was shot and killed while he and two other officers investigated a suspicious person call at a home at 1712 68th Avenue.
A neighbor had called police to report the occupants had kept "odd hours." The occupants of the home were wanted in Los Angeles for forgery and numerous other crimes.
A woman who answered the door told officers no one else was home, however, Inspector Davis saw two men who matched the description of the wanted men inside. As officers attempted to gain entry into the home one of the suspects opened fire through a door, fatally wounding Inspector Davis. The man was apprehended after a shootout with other officers. Inspector Davis succumbed to his wounds two days later.
The man who shot Inspector Davis was sentenced to death. He was hung at San Quentin State Prison on February 15th, 1929. The subject's wife and brother-in-law were also convicted of charges relating to the murder and sent to prison.
Inspector Davis was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.