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William Richard Cole

Death by Force
Case Description
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On August 14, 1943, 72-year-old Night Policeman William Richard "Billy" Coleman was fatally shot in Arab, Alabama. The previous day, he had confronted a man for reckless driving through town. Seeking retaliation, the man and three family members ambushed Policeman Coleman in front of the Arab Billiard Parlor, shooting him multiple times and stealing his service revolver.

Policeman Coleman had dedicated over 35 years to law enforcement, serving with the Marshall County Sheriff's Office a ...Read More
Links to Additional Sources (4)
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  • Night Policeman William Richard "Billy" Coleman
  • Night Policeman William Richard "Billy" Coleman, age 72
    •     ...View 2 additional sources
    Victim Details

    William Richard Cole

    Male

    White / Caucasian

    Arab

    AL

    1943-08-14

    72

    William

    Richard Cole

    Yes

    11/06/2025

    Forum Posts (3)
    Has anyone else come across the details of Policeman William Richard "Billy" Coleman's funeral? I've... ...Read More
    11/21/2024
    Hey everyone,
    I’ve been diving into the case of Policeman William "Billy" Coleman and one aspec... ...Read More
    08/31/2024
    I'm really struck by the impact Policeman Coleman had on his community in Arab, Alabama. From what I... ...Read More
    07/01/2024
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