Jackson Police Department, Mississippi
End of Watch Thursday, August 19, 1971
Add to My HeroesWilliam Louis Skinner
Lieutenant William Skinner was shot and killed during a standoff with a group of militants who were barricaded in a house. Lieutenant Skinner was standing beneath a tree when he was struck in the head by a single round that had been fired from underneath the house.
Another Jackson officer and a Federal Bureau of Investigation agent were also wounded during the shootout.
Eleven suspects were arrested and charged with Lieutenant Skinner's murder. Only a few of the suspects were convicted and sentenced to very short sentences.
Lieutenant Skinner had served with the Jackson Police Department for 11 years. He was survived by three sons, all of whom became law enforcement officers.
The Black Liberation Army was a violent, radical group that attempted to fight for independence from the United States government in the late 1960's and early 1970's. The BLA was responsible for the murders of more than 10 police officers around the country. They were also responsible for violent attacks around the country that left many police officers wounded.
Bio
- Age 36
- Tour 11 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Wednesday, August 18, 1971
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Paroled
Most Recent Reflection
View all 12 ReflectionsLt. Skinner,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army in Korea. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
August 19, 2021
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