Metro Nashville Police Department, Tennessee
End of Watch Wednesday, August 4, 1982
Add to My HeroesWilliam Lee Bowlin
Officer Bowlin was shot and killed when he was ambushed at the scene of a domestic dispute call at 1213 Litton Avenue. He and two other officers had responded to the call after reports of shots fired and attempted to make contact with the residents of the home.
The domestic argument stemmed from a court judgement earlier in the day when the suspect was ordered to give his ex-girlfriend and former lawn care business partner, two lawnmowers and a car. The suspect fled the house with a high-powered weapon and stood at one corner of the building as the officers approached.
After not receiving a response at the door the other two officers walked around back and Officer Bowling began to return to his cruiser. As he walked towards the car he was shot in the head by a suspect who was hiding in nearby bushes.
The 54-year-old suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life. His last prison mug shot was posted in 2003 and he was paroled at some point after that.
Officer Bowlin had been with the agency for just under five years. He was survived by his wife, mother, and father, who was head of the Metro Intelligence Division. Bowlin was killed on his 2-month wedding anniversary.
Bio
- Age 27
- Tour 5 years
- Badge 1073
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle
- Offender Paroled
Most Recent Reflection
View all 32 ReflectionsRest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
August 4, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths

Lieutenant Jeff Bain
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, AL
EOW: January 3, 2021

Correctional Officer David A. Christensen
Washington State Department of Corrections, WA
EOW: December 29, 2020

Lieutenant John Reynolds
Garden Grove Police Department, CA
EOW: January 17, 2021

Corrections Officer Joseph A. Martini
Ulster County Sheriff's Office, NY
EOW: January 17, 2021

Police Officer Arturo Villegas
Alamo Police Department, GA
EOW: January 10, 2021

Deputy Sheriff Jon Melvin
Grant County Sheriff's Office, WA
EOW: December 11, 2020

Deputy Sheriff Adam Gibson
Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: January 18, 2021

Police Officer Brandon Stalker
Toledo Police Department, OH
EOW: January 18, 2021

Police Officer Jay Hughes
Kalispel Tribal Police Department, TR
EOW: January 6, 2021