Killer of Off-Duty Police Officer Remains Unknown Nearly 50 Years Later
In Charleston County, South Carolina, a nearly 50-year-old unsolved murder case scratches at the conscience of local law enforcement and continues to bring heartache to a family that lost a husband, a father, and a son. Close to half a century ago, off-duty police officer William “Bill” Cribb was brutally killed, but despite the tireless efforts of countless detectives, the perpetrators have never faced justice.
Reflecting on the unresolved case, Special Operations Captain Paul Tittle of the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, and a longtime friend and neighbor of the Cribb family, noted: “Many, many people really wanted to solve that case. When a law enforcement officer loses his life, that’s basically an attack on our society.” This sentiment was echoed by former Sheriff Al Cannon amidst previous investigations, remarking there was significant pressure from outside and within law enforcement to identify the killers.
The case also saw other high-profile investigators like the late State Representative and former Charleston County officer Mickey Whatley, and former North Charleston Police Chief Eddie Driggers. A private investigator suggested the suspects perhaps hailed from other places like New York City, fleeing post-incident. Unfortunately, none have been successful in finally closing the case, and it remains the only unsolved officer murder in the tri-county area.
The Tragic Incident
On the fateful night of Nov. 15, 1974, Bill Cribb, who had served the Charleston County Police Department for three years, and fellow officer Grover Tompkins, both off-duty, went to the Red and White store on Folly and Camp Road to prepare for a cookout. But the store was under attack by three armed robbers, and their ensuing heroic actions in the face of danger resulted in Cribb being shot in the chest.
The escapees left with $5,000 in blood-soaked cash, leaving Cribb to die in the store. Meanwhile, just blocks away, crowds gathered unknowingly for a football game at James Island High School.
Despite sketches of the suspects, no valuable leads have been generated. Current detective on the case Barry Goldstein hinted at the possibility of solving the case through advancements in science, as considerable blood and casings were collected from the crime scene. However, this still requires corroborative evidence or first-hand account to lead to successful prosecution.
Family’s Unending Sorrow
Bill’s sudden death left his family in dreadful sorrow. His widow, Carolyn Carrasquillo, was pregnant at the time. She gave birth to a baby boy six months later, whom they named William “Tommy” Cribb Jr.
In the family’s collective memory, Bill remains a man dedicated to helping others, which he exemplified by giving up his career as a boat captain to pursue police duty. Despite not knowing his father, Tommy shared that the tragic sacrifice has inspired him on his more artistic path, trying to be the best person he can be.
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office is soliciting information about the case and asks anyone with leads to contact Detective Goldstein directly or through the main Sheriff’s Office line.
