Patrolman William L. Isham

Patrolman William L. Isham

Long Beach Police Department, California

End of Watch Saturday, August 26, 1967

Add to My Heroes

William L. Isham

Patrolman William Isham and Patrolman Donald Knott were shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance call at 182 Quincy Avenue in Long Beach.

The neighbors called the police when a man would not stop beating his common-law wife shortly before 3:00 a.m. Patrolman Knott and Patrolman Isham arrived at the apartment and subdued the angry subject. When the woman went inside to grab her purse, the officers accompanied her inside. The subject followed her into the bedroom, where he shot her in the thigh. The subject then fired at the officers. Both officers managed to return fire, hitting the suspect eight times. Both officers were shot in the chest and pronounced dead upon arrival at Long Beach Community Hospital.

The suspect died seven weeks later at Los Angeles General Hospital.

Patrolman Isham had served with the Long Beach Police Department for two years. He was survived by his expectant wife and daughter. His second daughter was born a few weeks later.

Bio

  • Age 27
  • Tour 2 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
  • Offender Shot and killed

domestic

Most Recent Reflection

View all 10 Reflections

Rest 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 26, 2020

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.