Patrolman William J. Kennedy

William J. Kennedy

Patrolman Kennedy died from a gunshot wound sustained 41 years earlier.

On February 7th, 1952, Patrolman Kennedy and his partner were assigned to bring an emotionally disturbed person to Bellevue Hospital. While in the hospital, the man grabbed a chair and struck a third patrolman with it. During the scuffle that ensued, the man was able to gain control of one of the patrolman's service weapons. He fired all six rounds from it, wounding Patrolman Kennedy.

The other officers were able to take the suspect into custody. He was charged with murder.

Patrolman Kennedy lived over 41 years with extremely disabling injuries that eventually caused his death. The case was ruled a homicide and reopened by the 10th Precinct Detective Squad. After he died of his injuries the case was reclassified as a homicide.

Patrolman Kennedy was 30 years old and the time of the incident and was assigned to the 10 Precinct.