Blowing Rock Police Department, North Carolina
End of Watch: Friday, January 18, 1963
Age: 28
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 18, 1963
Weapon Used: Shotgun; 410 gauge
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Chief William Greene was shot and killed while pursuing a vehicle occupied by two men and two women at 0130 hours. Unbeknownst to Chief Greene the four had broken into a summer cottage in Blowing Rock. Before backup units arrived the suspects stopped the car and one of the male suspects opened fire on Chief Greene, striking him in the arm and back with a 410 gauge shotgun. Then both men stabbed him twice before fleeing. Chief Greene was able to make it back to his patrol car and radio in a description of the suspects, who were later arrested and charged with murder.
The suspect who shot Chief Greene was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on March 1, 1963. He died in prison on December 29, 1992.
The other male suspect was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 30 years. He was paroled on September 3, 1975.
The two women pled guilty to manslaughter.
Chief Greene had served with the agency for seven years. He was survived by his wife and two children.