On the night of March 1, 1978, Arthur L. Williams, a 43-year-old male and a dedicated police officer with the Newark Police Department for 18 years, was tragically killed in his own home. Two men broke into his apartment, and as Officer Williams awoke to the intrusion, he was shot in the heart by a 17-year-old suspect who was acting as a lookout while his 23-year-old accomplice searched the residence.
Despite the fatal wound, Officer Williams displayed incredible bravery.
He managed to grab his service revolver and fired three shots as he pursued the intruders down the stairs of his apartment building before he collapsed and succumbed to his injury. His courageous final act was a testament to his commitment to his duty, even in the last moments of his life.
The two suspects were later apprehended by law enforcement. Both individuals were brought to justice and subsequently sentenced to life in prison for their roles in the murder of Officer Williams. The gunman, who was a teenager at the time of the crime, was eventually granted parole on December 22, 1992.
