In the small community of Chatham, Virginia, a tragic event unfolded on May 28, 1939, forever marking the town's history. Constable William M. 'Will' Coward, a 44-year-old male, was killed in the line of duty. His death occurred while he was attempting to arrest a man who was causing a disturbance at a church on Route 57.
The situation escalated dramatically when two other men approached Constable Coward from behind during the arrest.
One of the men seized Coward's own service revolver from his holster and handed it to the second man. This second individual then shot the constable in the back. As Constable Coward fell to the ground, the assailant shot him four more times. In a heartbreaking turn of events, the entire brutal act was witnessed by Coward's 12-year-old son.
The primary suspect fled the scene but was apprehended the following day at his father's home. He was subsequently convicted of the murder of Constable Coward and received the death penalty. On December 15, 1939, he was executed in the electric chair. An accomplice in the crime was also brought to justice and received a 20-year prison sentence. William Coward was survived by his two sons.
