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William C. “Billy” Nelson

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William C. “Billy” Nelson

Birth
Utah, USA
Death
25 Dec 1912 (aged 21)
Midvale, Salt Lake County, Utah, USA
Burial
Sandy, Salt Lake County, Utah, USA Add to Map
Plot
C-1-43-7
Memorial ID
View Source
Officer William C. "Billy" Nelson
Died on December 25, 1912

Age 21
Midvale Police Department
Homicide: Handgun

Officer Nelson was murdered while conducting foot patrol with another Midvale officer. At 1:30 a.m., the two officers observed a group of men near a saloon firing their pistols wildly into the air in celebration of Christmas. As Officer Nelson approached the group, he was ambushed from behind by a man who fired a single shot into his head. The second officer returned fired but failed to hit the assailant, who then managed to escape into the darkness. Although several suspects were arrested, no one was ever brought to trial for the murder. Officer Nelson was engaged to the daughter of Midvale Officer Frank Colclough, murdered near the same spot four months before. He is buried in Sandy City Cemetery. His bronze memorial plaque is sponsored by Salt Lake County Captain Teri and Joe Somers.

*This information was found on utahsfallen.org and posted here it their permission.
Officer William C. "Billy" Nelson
Died on December 25, 1912

Age 21
Midvale Police Department
Homicide: Handgun

Officer Nelson was murdered while conducting foot patrol with another Midvale officer. At 1:30 a.m., the two officers observed a group of men near a saloon firing their pistols wildly into the air in celebration of Christmas. As Officer Nelson approached the group, he was ambushed from behind by a man who fired a single shot into his head. The second officer returned fired but failed to hit the assailant, who then managed to escape into the darkness. Although several suspects were arrested, no one was ever brought to trial for the murder. Officer Nelson was engaged to the daughter of Midvale Officer Frank Colclough, murdered near the same spot four months before. He is buried in Sandy City Cemetery. His bronze memorial plaque is sponsored by Salt Lake County Captain Teri and Joe Somers.

*This information was found on utahsfallen.org and posted here it their permission.


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