Alexandria Sheriff's Office, Virginia
End of Watch Tuesday, January 27, 1981
Add to My HeroesWilliam Gene Truesdale
Deputy Sheriff William Truesdale was shot and killed with his own weapon while transporting prisoners from ane extradition hearing back to the old city jail at the intersection of Princess Street and North Street.
The prisoner, whose left hand was manacled to a second prisoner, used his free right arm to grab Deputy Truesdale's service revolver as they walked up the stairs to the jail. The prisoner then shot his handcuff off and attempted to flee but was apprehended several blocks away. He was facing an extradition hearing to North Carolina on murder and robbery charges.
The man was sentenced to death in April 1981 and executed on October 17th, 1990.
Deputy Truesdale had served with the Alexandria Sheriff's Office for eight years. He was survived by his wife and four children. His youngest son, who was only six months old at the time of his murder, was sworn in as a deputy with the Alexandria Sheriff's Office on June 27th, 2012.
Bio
- Age 47
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Executed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 15 ReflectionsI worked as a Court Reporter in that courtroom with Deputy Truesdale on that fateful day. Defendant was there as a witness in another case and would have received a reduction in his sentence in another jurisdiction for his cooperation. Makes no sense why he killed Deputy Truesdale. Defendants stature was large. He seemed calm. However, I was warned by judge to keep close to the judges bench. Minutes after the hearing Deputy Truesdale was gone. I was shocked. I worked with him on many occasions. I always liked him.
Fast forward to the defendants sentencing. I was appointed to the sentencing phase. I was very young. When the judge said, you are hereby sentenced to death, the defendant looked at me. He seemed remorseful. However, it didn't make it right. The impact of that day, the sentencing, the murder, his family I will never forget. I have thought about Deputy Truesdale over the years and his family. I remember him talking about his young boy and his love for his wife and family.
There was a case on Nancy Grace show where she was talking about a deputy's murder. Her reporting was a little off on the statics. However, I told her about Deupty Truesdale and she mentioned his name on air. I am so proud to hear of his young son joining the department. Mrs. Truesdale and children wherever you are I pray you had a good life. I will never forget Deputy Truesdale and his family. God bless each one of you.
Sherry Frazier
Court Reporter
February 21, 2020
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