Police Officer William C. Keating

William C. Keating

Officer Keating was shot and killed while investigating a burglary at a local showroom. He was using the call box on the street in front of the showroom as two youths were inside attempting to burglarize it. The suspects saw Officer Keating through the window and assumed he had seen them. In their haste to escape they broke out a window and fled. Hearing the noise, Officer Keating went to investigate the burglary. After an hour had passed the two suspects returned to the scene, but were confronted by Officer Keating who was still there. As he walked them to a call box to call for backup one of the suspect opened fire with a .38 caliber handgun. Officer Keating was transported to a local hospital where he was able to give a description of the suspects before succumbing to his injuries.

Both suspects, 20 and 23, were apprehended. The shooter was sentenced to death but received a new trial and was sentenced to life plus 65 years. He was paroled on November 10, 1953. The other suspect was sentenced to life. He was paroled on an unknown date but it was before the other suspect was paroled.