On February 21st, 1928, Dayton Police Patrolman William T. Wilson was on break from walking his beat when he suffered critical injuries from getting shot.

He had stopped for lunch at home, where he found a friend—who just the night before had come to him complaining of marital problems—sitting right next to Mrs. Wilson. Suspecting they had betrayed him, he berated the man for being there and an argument ensued. But after repeatedly being ordered to leave the house the man suddenly drew a handgun and fired, hitting Patrolman Wilson in the abdomen. The man fled the scene but turned himself in a few hours later.

William died of his injuries two days later, on February 23rd, 1928. The 37-year old shooter was sentenced to life.

Patrolman Wilson was 33 years old at the time of his death, and had served with the Dayton Police Department for three years. He was survived by his wife and three children.

William was a decorated U.S. Army World War I veteran, and was highly valued by his superiors on the force for his impressive arrest record. He was very popular both within and outside the department, and widely known for his genial personality.