Name : Williams, Keith 

Rank: Det.
Shield #: 4101 Command: Queens District Attorney Sqd.
Date of Death: 1989-11-13   Cause of Death: Shot By Prisoner
     
 On November 13, 1989 at approximately 1:45 P.M., Detective Guerzon and Detective Keith Williams were shot and killed by a prisoner they were transporting to Riker's Island. The Detectives had picked up the prisoner at Riker's Island in the morning and brought him to the Queen's District Attorney?s office so a Polygraph test could be conducted. After arriving they secured the prisoner in a room by handcuffing him to a pipe on the wall they left the suspect alone. While he was left alone the suspect was able to break into a locker that was within his reach and steal a gun. After the polygraph test was cancelled the Detectives placed the suspect, who was rear cuffed, back into their car and began to drive back to Riker?s Island.

As the officers drove on the Grand Central Parkway near LaGuardia Airport the suspect suddenly produced a hand-gun and opened fire on the two detectives. Detective Guerzon was shot twice and Detective Williams three times. The attack was sudden and neither officer had time to return fire. After the vehicle collided with a utility pole on the shoulder of the roadway, the prisoner un-cuffed himself with the detectives handcuff keys and fled on foot. The gunman was apprehended ten hours later in Brooklyn. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Detective Williams was assigned to the Queens District Attorney Squad. He had been on the force for eight years.  
 
     
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Comments from Friends    
     
I worked with Keith in the Queens District Attorney's Office. We used to transport prisoners together all the time. He always used to tell me. "Moe always be careful with these preps because any chance they get, they'll get you. Keith was a great Detective and a great friend. Keith I?ll remember you till the day I die. Heaven?s a little safer with you there. God Bless you.
— Moe
I will never forget those horrible images of Keith Williams and Richie Garzon that were on the front page of the Daily News that day. I worked in the 83 when Keith was assigned there. Keith was always there when the call came for back-up and even when he thought back-up might be needed. I later was assigned to CBQ and ran into Keith again where we would joke about the good old times in the 83. Keith Williams was buried approximately 2 blocks from the Queens Court House where I was assigned and on many occasions I walked there on my meal peroid to pay my respects to a dear friend. Rest in peace buddy.
— Israel Reyes
Kieth Williams heart and spirit was as big as his body. I had the pleasure of working very closely with him because he was my undercover in Vice. What a great cop and a great human being. Heaven has one great police department.
— David Chong
I met Keith in the academy and worked with him as rookies. He was fun and a gentlemen. Will always remember him. Carmen
— Carmen O,Malley
I had the pleasure of working side by side with Keith for three years while we were assigned to the 8-3. We lockered next to one another and got to learn the measure of the man working on the streets of a tough neighborhood. Still, to this day, I remember Keith's easygoing demeanor, how his smile lit up a room, how he mattered, how he made a difference. .....and how much he is missed.
— David Del Santo, Lt. 1981-2001
Keith was in my company while going through the Academy in 1981. We had a great group of people in that class and Keith stood out as one of the friendliest in the group. Whenever I read something about Police Officers killed in the line of duty, Keiths big, boisterous laugh is the first thing that comes to mind. I remember him staying with me after late gym classes, along with another friend, Bill McKnight, who passed after a long illness, running laps to help me get through. Keith was a good man and I'm certain he is remembered with great fondness by those who knew him.
— John Pellechia
KEITH WILLIAMS, WAS MY HUSBAND AND FRIEND. HE WAS SOMEONE VERY SPECIAL IN OUR LIVES. I AM HONORED WITH THE REMARKS AND COMMENTS OF THOSE WHOSE LIVES HE TOUCHED. HE WAS TRULY A GENTLE GIANT. HE LOVED LIFE, PEOPLE
— RITA WILLIAMS
KEITH WILLIAMS WAS MY HUSBAND AND FRIEND. HE WAS A FATHER AMOUNG FATHERS AND FRIEND TO BE CHERISHED.THANKS FOR BEING APART OF OUR LIVES.YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS AND YOUR SPIRIT WILL LIVE ON. LOVE YOUR WIFE, RITA
— RITA WILLIAMS
TO MY GRANDFATHER THAT I NEVER KNEW, SINCE I WAS A BABY. I HAVE HEARD SO MANY NICE THINGS ABOUT YOU. MY MOMMY AND MY MAMA LOVE YOU VERY MUCH AND SO DO I. I'M SORRY I NEVER GOT TO MEET YOU. I AM NOW 6 YEARS OLD, GOING ON 7 ON FEBRUARY 25.I LOVE YOU VERY VERY VERY VERY MUCH YOUR GRANDSON DEVON.
— DEVON JOHNSON
KEITH L WILLIAMS WAS A VERY SPECIAL BROTHER IN LAW. WE WOULD CELEBRATE OUR B-DAY TOGETHER & HAVE A REALLY GREAT TIME. I CAN NEVER FORGET YOUR FACE. BESIDES, HOW CAN I,WHEN LOOKING AT MY BEAUTIFUL NIECE TENNILLE,I SEE YOU.I MISS YOU. LOVE, SIS IN LAW PATRICIA JOHNSONDAVIS
— PATRICIA JOHNSONDAVIS
WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT A MAN WHO HAS TOUCH SO MANY LIVES. KEITH YOU ARE GODS ANGEL I WILL ALWAYS KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYERS AS WELL AS IN MY HEART. YOU WERE ALWAYS THERE FOR OTHERS AND FOR ME. GOD BLESS YOUR BEAUTIFUL FAMILY. MUCH LOVE AND RESPECT YOUR COUSIN IN LAW JEANNIE.
— JEANNIE PRESSLEY
REST IN PEACE.
— sjs
Posted: November 2, 2006, 6:02 am
God afforded us a brief opportunity to fellowship with one of his own kind. Keith was indeed a special guy. His mere presence would brighten up a room with robust laughter, joy and enlighting communication. Keith you are truly missed. We Love You, The Staley Family And Rita thank you for being the wind beneath that angel's wings...
— Simone
Posted: November 2, 2006, 10:06 am
I KNEW KEITH WILLIAMS AND FAMILY FOR MANY YEARS, HE WAS THE TYPE OF MAN THAT WAS ALWAYS TELLING YOU WHAT WAS RIGHT , AND WHAT WAS GOOD FOR YOU. I KNOWN HIM FOR THOSE JUMPS HE USE TO MAKE ON THE BASKETBALL COURT. I KNOW YOU ARE WITH GOD KEITH. AND YOUR LOVING HEART YOU GAVE TO OTHERS, YOU ARE ALWAYS AROUND,AND MISSED VERY MUCH.
— PATRICIA SEABROOK
Posted: November 3, 2006, 5:27 am
Keith, I never met you but I have the pleasure of meeting your family, and they are terrific people. So good things come from bad. I probably never would have met your family under other circumstances. Just help to keep things straight in Heaven, someday we will meet.
— Miss EL
Posted: November 3, 2006, 9:40 am
I GREW UP WITH KEITH, WE WENT TO SCHOOL TOGETHER FROM ELEMENTARY THRU HIGH SCHOOL, WE ALSO CELEBRATED BIRTHDAYS TOGETHER, OUR BIRTHDAY WAS ONE DAY APART. GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN
— TERRY DANIEL
Posted: November 5, 2006, 3:47 pm
Keith, even though you are gone. I want to thank you for leaving behind a beautiful daughter. When she smiles, I see your smile, when I look at her I see you. She has all of your ways, thats a good thing. You will always be apart of the family. Thanks for being my brother-in-law. Miss you much, Boss
— BESSIE SINGLETON
Posted: November 7, 2006, 11:53 am
Words cannot describe how much I miss you.We wish you were here with all of us, to laugh and play basketball. You were so good to and for the youth of this community.You were always trying to guide them and give good advice. You are sorely missed. Love ya much your favorite sis-in-law. J.C
— Jackie Corley
Posted: November 7, 2006, 11:57 am
KEITH WAS A BUDDY OF MINES FOR QUITE A FEW YEARS I MET HIM THREW HIS SISTER IN-LAW AND ALWAYS LOVED HIS WORDS OF WISDOM KEITH I REALLY MISS YOU AND BUD TOO. ALWAYS KNOW YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS. LOVE RUSTY
— RUSTY
Posted: November 7, 2006, 1:23 pm
rest in peace.
— sjs
Posted: November 15, 2006, 12:37 pm
Keith was a great man. I worked with him in BSPMD in the mid 80's. What fun we had. I was so sad the day I heard about him. He is thought about often. I hope his family reads this. He was a great police officer and full of life. I always enjoyed working when he worked because I knew it would be an eventful tour. He could not type for anything! We used to type up the court affidavits for pros collars. He always got the office girls to help him! He was well liked by his peers and his supervisors. He is missed very much. I came on with him on 1-26-81. He would be celebrating his anniversary tomorrow 1-26-09.
— BSPMD
Posted: January 25, 2009, 4:13 pm
Hello Keith, all is friends and family. Keith it is almost 20 years since God called you home. I remember how hard you worked to get into anti crime in the 83. I years later recall running into you in the McDonald’s parking lot in Far Rock. It was so great to see you in a suit and tie, finally realizing your dream of being a Detective. That was no easy task in those days. To Keith’s Grandson, your granddad was a great guy. He never gave up his personal principles to advance. He worked in the trenches. He accepted his setbacks but did not let them stop him from continuing his work. One evening it took about 8 of us to subdue an EDP who had beaten his entire family up. Keith, his partner Mike and the rest of the squad had our hands full to finally cuff him. I recall after he calmed down, Keith bought him a soda and actually had the guy apologizing to us at the station house. Over the last 20 years I have told so many about Keith. The story for me always started about how painful it was to lose him in such a manner. I recall like Izzy Reyes the horror of that day. I also recall like Davey Del Santo how your presence lit up a room. I am always joyful that I was one of the lucky people to have known Keith. We cannot know why God wanted you in heaven so early, but we must accept that.
— Bill Shepard
Posted: June 29, 2009, 9:53 pm
will always miss you.liberty would never be the same.hey m williams,and taneal love you all cstarks 105thave
— cornell starks
Posted: December 13, 2009, 10:40 am
I remembered Keith's face from back in the day at Liberty park and parks around the way in Queens. I made my first arrest in 1987 and was completely lost. Keith came up to me and introcduced himself and assisted me in Queens central booking. He was a great guy and I'll never forget him for being so gracious and helpful.
— Jerry Dean
Posted: March 13, 2010, 11:21 am
It's been 20 years since I've called your name..."Daddy," and even though some days are (still) harder to deal with than others, I am most grateful to have known you for those short 12 years you stayed in my life. Sometimes it hurts so badly thinking about how close we were, but now as an adult, I've come to realize that your love and our bond were in abundance because your presence would soon be greatly missed. I can clearly remember questioning "Mommy" and "God" as to why u had to leave (me), and it wasnt until this very moment that my question was answered... Your phsical appearance has erased from Earth, but your wisdom, determination, strength, and ambition are embedded within me. Everyday my chest feels heavy, not always from pain and surrow, but from carrying two hearts (yours and mine)! I know that I have my share of work cut out for me, but as long as your blood continues to run through my veins, there's no hurdle too big for me to overcome! Simply stated... your fight has become my fight, and from the stories I've heard from family and friends, you definitely ruled with an iron fist! Now, at the age of 33, I understand so much more than before, and I am so proud of your accomplishments and honored to be your daughter! P.S...I think you would be happy to know that you have a wonderful son-in-law, a witty 10yr old grandson (Devon), and an awesome wife. Unfortunately for you,I decided to become an elemantary school teacher as opposed to joing New York's Finest, but I think you would be ok with that !!! There arent enough letters in the alphabet to express how much I love and miss you, but until we meet again, continue to be that "Gentle Giant" (as mommy would say), and don't ever forget me because you will forever live in my heart!!!!!
— tennille williams-johnson
Posted: August 11, 2010, 4:05 pm

 

 

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