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Polk County in Iowa
Des Moines in Polk CountyGene W. Williamson
Homicide
Gene W. Williamson
23 YOA
1311 21st Street
Des Moines, IA
Polk County
Case # 1979-5278
February 9, 1979
23 YOA
1311 21st Street
Des Moines, IA
Polk County
Case # 1979-5278
February 9, 1979
On Friday, February 9, 1979 — two days after his 23rd birthday — Gene W. Williamson was shot shortly after pulling into the parking lot of a Des Moines apartment building.
Des Moines police found Williamson dead behind the wheel at the 1311 21st street apartment complex — his foot still resting on the brakes and the car in neutral.
Williamson had been shot execution style behind the right ear. An unfired .25-caliber automatic pistol was found in his coat pocket.
Courtesy photo Jim Magdanz, Des Moines RegisterDetective E.J. Rand and Medical Examiner R.C. Wooters study the Williamson crime scene.
Police had previously questioned Williamson in the May 12, 1978 homicide of Harry Hoffman, a well-known attorney from Peoria, Illinois. Williamson was released and not charged in Hoffman’s death.
The 72-year-old Hoffman had been shot in the parking lot of a Des Moines Howard Johnson Motel located at 921 Sixth Avenue. Officials could find no motive in Hoffman’s slaying.
Gene Williamson was born February 7, 1956. He was last known to reside at 2020 E. 18th Street in Des Moines.
Information needed
If you have any information about Gene Williamson’s unsolved murder please contact the Des Moines Police Department at 515-283-4864.
Sources:
- Des Moines Police Department, Correspondence to Iowa Cold Cases, July 10, 2009
- Person Details for Gene Williamson, “United States Social Security Death Index” — FamilySearch.org
- Gene W. Williamson (1956 – 1979) — Find a Grave Memorial
- “Suspect in ’78 Slaying is found shot to death,” The Des Moines Register, February 10, 1979
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Was anybody in the attorney Harry Hoffman family ever questioned about a hit on mr. Williamson ?
MOB HIT#
PLEASE tell me MORE!!
Gene was my big Brother. I’m 1 of his Twelve Sibling. His only child just Turned 40yrs old.
We need answers. WHO DID THE HIT?
I Pray the ICC REOPEN HIS CASE and for my Mother and Siblings we need JUSTICE 4 GENE❤💔
Thx u Kerry for your concerns. We the family are still searching for clues and still NEED Answers.
I HOPE they REOPEN my brother’s case and RETURN all hi9 PERSONAL property or Compensate My MOTHER WHY she is still living.
JUSTICE 4 GENE WILLIAMSON❤💔
Penny McDonnell, thank you so much for your ongoing efforts to reach out and provide comfort to other victims’ families even as you struggle with your own loss. Your words do make a difference in other people’s lives, and Charles would be so proud of you. I know I am! Thank you, again! Jody at ICC
Thank you , Jody
I pray someone comes forward. This is very sad. It’s a long time. But their is always hope and faith. Prayers to the families and friends. God bless.