william S. Wells
Agency: Kansas City Police Department, MO
Sergeant William S. Wells served with the Kansas City Police Department for eight years.
Sergeant Wells was shot and killed in an incident that has become known as the "Paseo Massacre". Four members of the Kansas City Police Department were shot and killed after responding to a disturbance call at 1334 Paseo Road. The suspect was creating problems with his neighbors. The first officers to arrive were Patrolman Neaves and Washington. As they were placing the suspect under arrest, his brother exited the building with a shotgun. He fired at Patrolman Neaves point blank, killing him. The original suspect then took the shotgun from his brother and killed Patrolman Washington as he rushed to aid his partner. The suspects then removed a shotgun from the officer's patrol car.
When Patrolman Perrine and Sergeant Wells arrived on the scene, they exchanged gunfire with the suspects. Patrolman Perrine was shot and killed during the exchange and Sergeant Wells was seriously wounded. Both suspects were killed along with an innocent bystander. Sergeant Wells died seven days later from his gunshot wounds.
One of the suspects was shot and killed; the other was apprehended in December of the same year after killing another officer and was sentenced to death.
Sergeant William Wells sustained seven gunshot wounds. One bullet entered his right lung resulting in the development of pneumonia. He died seven days later at General Hospital. Fellow Officer, Corporal Edwin Kirk stated that Sergeant Wells intended to resign from the department that Friday to accept employment with a paint company. He was survived by wife, Rose Lee and two daughters, Marcia and Linda. He is buried in Mount Moriah Cemetery, Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri.
Reflections:
Thanks to all who have left reflections for my grandfather. I know my mother & aunt miss their father terribly & growing up without him in their lives was a tragedy. I hope no other family has to endure what they did. Stay safe & take care.
Jennifer Sigmund
Granddaughter
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