Officer William Griffin was shot and killed during a business robbery.

On June 10, 1923, Officer Griffin had gone to the Telegraph Inn, at Telegraph and Baumgartner in Saint Louis County, after finishing his shift. Officer Griffin was still in uniform and had seated himself at a table in the Inn when a group of men entered the establishment and announced a robbery. Officer Griffin was shot seven times, one bullet striking him in the heart. He was pronounced dead at City Hospital. Another customer entering the Inn during the robbery was also killed.

Five suspects, identified as members of the Cuckoos Gang, were apprehended and prosecuted for the murders. Some of the suspects were apprehended with Officer Griffin's service weapon.

Officer Griffin was survived by his father, Michael J. Griffin, who was also a Saint Louis Police Officer. Interred: Cavalry Cemetery, St Louis, Mo.