Thomas Williams

End of watch — Thursday, October 31, 1985

Rank

Detective

Serial number

17491

Division

North Hollywood

Location

7600 Glade

Cause of death

Shot by a Robbery Suspect

Detective Thomas Williams was ambushed and assassinated in order to prevent him from testifying in an upcoming robbery trial. The incident occurred in front of his son at his son's school. The shooter was sentenced to death, and two conspirators were sentenced to life without parole plus 25 years to life. Detective Williams was posthumously awarded the Medal of Valor for the actions taken by him to protect his son during the incident. He had served with the Los Angeles Police Department for 13 years, and is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.