Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma
End of Watch Wednesday, February 17, 1971
William James "Bill" Walker
Trooper Bill Walker was shot and killed after arresting two men for weapons violations at the Fountainhead State Lodge park. He had been called there by park officials who requested assistance in arresting the men. Trooper Walker placed the two men in his cruiser and called for a tow truck when one of the men suddenly pulled out a concealed weapon and shot him. They also killed the park superintendent and wounded a game warden while fleeing.
A massive manhunt was launched and two suspects were arrested approximately eighty-three hours later only a short distance away. Three pistols including the Trooper's service revolver, a rifle, a shotgun and ammunition were recovered.
One suspect was convicted of two counts of first degree murder and sentenced to death. In 1973 his sentence was changed to life. He has a parole hearing in August of 2017. The other suspect was convicted of two counts of first degree murder and sentenced to life. In 1983 his conviction was overturned. He was retried in 1985 and acquitted,
Trooper Walker has served with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol for four years and was a veteran of the United States Navy. He was survived by his wife, two sons, one brother, and two sisters and is buried in Greenlawn Cemetery in Checotah, Oklahoma.
Bio
- Age 33
- Tour 4 years
- Badge 391
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 12 ReflectionsTrooper Walker,
On today, the 42nd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as an LEO but for our Country as well when you served in the USN. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Fair Winds And Following Seas
Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol
February 17, 2013
Recent LODD Deaths

Detective Sergeant Brian Scott Cuscino
New Castle Police Department, PA
EOW: April 19, 2018

Police Officer Tamby Yagan
Paterson Police Department, NJ
EOW: April 22, 2018

Deputy Sheriff Casey L. Shoemate
Miller County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: April 20, 2018

Sergeant Noel Ramirez
Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 19, 2018

Deputy Sheriff Taylor Lindsey
Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 19, 2018

Sergeant Sean McNamee Gannon
Yarmouth Police Department, MA
EOW: April 12, 2018

Patrolman Kevin F. Crossley
Whitesboro Police Department, NY
EOW: April 11, 2018

Police Officer Keith O'Neal Earle
Huntsville Police Department, AL
EOW: April 9, 2018

Corporal Dale Shannon Hallman
Saluda County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: April 6, 2018