William “Bill” Farnum

How they died

Suicide

Bill Farnum had served four stints in prison for burglary, robbery and attempted assault and was out on probation when he was arrested for grand larceny in July and September and ordered to go to the parole office. Farnum absconded. When Farnum was stopped by police in a traffic stop, he stopped and let a passenger off then fled, crashing into a utility pole. Before police could reach him, he cut his own throat with a knife. When police went to notify his family of the apparent suicide, officers discovered the bodies of his dad and sister, who may have been dead inside the family's home in Bellport for as long as 12 days.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that William “Bill” Farnum, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources