Trooper William John Antoniewicz

William John Antoniewicz

Trooper Bill Antoniewicz was shot during a traffic stop for speeding on I-80, eight miles east of Echo Junction.

While approaching the vehicle, the suspect shot him several times with a .38-caliber handgun. The man then kicked Trooper Antoniewicz in the face several times before fleeing. Unknown to Trooper Antoniewicz, the subject had stolen evidence in a narcotics case from the Evanston (Wyoming) Jail earlier that evening. Afraid of being arrested, he shot Trooper Antoniewicz.

The suspect was apprehended 18 months later. The first trial resulted in a hung jury, and the man pled guilty to a reduced charge of second-degree murder in order to avoid a second trial. He was released after serving 12 years of a 15-year sentence.

Trooper Antoniewicz had served with the Utah Highway Patrol for five months. He was survived by his parents and sister.