William Davis Mitchell, a 36-year-old police officer from Waco, Texas, met a tragic end on October 27, 1900. Officer Mitchell had been serving with the Waco Police Department for only six months when he was dispatched to a disturbance at a local saloon on North Sixth Street, near Austin Street. Upon arriving at the scene, he was shot multiple times while dismounting his horse.
The assailant, Will King, was armed with a handgun and fired at Officer Mitchell, who managed to return fire with his revolver despite being fatally wounded. Officer Mitchell succumbed to his injuries at 9 p.m. that evening, surrounded by his wife and three daughters.
The incident led to the arrest of Will King, who was apprehended shortly after the shooting. King was subsequently tried and found guilty of the murder of Officer Mitchell. He was executed on October 25, 1901, almost a year after the tragic event. Officer Mitchell's death was a significant loss to the Waco Police Department and the community he served. He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Waco, Texas, where his memory is honored.
Officer Mitchell's death highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the impact of such tragedies on their families and communities. His service and sacrifice are remembered as a testament to his dedication to protecting and serving the people of Waco.
