Assistant Chief of Police William J. O'Leary, Big Spring Police Department, Texas

Assistant Chief of Police William J. O'Leary

Big Spring Police Department, Texas

End of Watch Tuesday, November 28, 1939

William J. O'Leary

Assistant William Chief O'Leary was shot and killed while struggling with a suspect in front of a grocery store. There were no witnesses to the shooting and suspects were immediately identified. Approximately one month later a prisoner committed suicide and left a note stating he had killed Assistant Chief O'Leary. The note identified the location of the murder weapon, which later was linked to the bullets recovered from Assistant Chief O'Leary's body.

Assistant Chief O'Leary had been with the agency for only five months and was survived by three sons.

Bio

Age 43
Tour 5 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Committed suicide

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Most Recent Reflection

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Your heroism and service is honored today, the 72nd anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

November 28, 2011