William L. Cook II

How they died

Suicide

According to police, deputy Luis Rivera stopped a car he saw abruptly change lanes and then turn without signaling at about 3 a.m. The driver, William Cook, told Rivera that his license was suspended. As they talked, Rivera claimed he smelled marijuana and that Cook admitted he'd smoked pot just before he'd been pulled over and had tossed it from the car when he realized he was about to be stopped. Cook got out of his car for a field sobriety test and allegedly pulled a handgun. Rivera said he shoved Cook to gain distance and distract him, but he lost his footing and fell. Rivera got up and Cook allegedly pointed the gun at him. Rivera said he told Cook to drop his gun, but Cook said he was going to kill himself. Rivera pulled his weapon, backed up several feet and called for backup. Cook reportedly pulled the trigger twice, but the gun failed to fire both times. Cook pulled the trigger a third time and crumpled to the ground, dead.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that William L. Cook II, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources