End of Watch: Tuesday, December 19, 1967

Age: 45 / Tour: 14 years / Cause: Gunfire

Police Officer Walter Stathers was shot and killed, possibly with his own weapon, while on patrol in an upscale neighborhood.

He had been assigned to the neighborhood for nine years and knew all of the residents. He had been on the lookout for a prowler throughout his shift and spotted him at 4:00 am. After requesting a canine unit he became engaged with a struggle with the suspect who then fatally shot him.

The suspect escaped and was never identified.

Officer Stathers had served with the Coral Gables Police Department for 14 years. He was survived by his wife and son.

Coral Gables FOP Lodge #7 is named in honor of Walter Stathers.