The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office is once again asking the public for information regarding the November 1983 murder of William “Bill” Kemmer, who was ambushed and fatally shot in the back with a high-powered rifle as he exited his red Ford truck in his own driveway at 7094 Highway 70 East.
On the night of his murder, Bill Kemmer was carrying between $60,000 and $70,000 in cash—funds that were never recovered—along with important receipts and personal documents stored in several money bags inside a brown canvas bowling bag.
If you have any information that could assist on this case, please contact Investigator John Peters at the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office at (931) 484-6176 or email jpeters@ccsheriffs.org.
The following was posted to Crossville-Cumberland County Crimestoppers August 27, 2024
Dear Community,
Once again we are reaching out to solicit your assistance in solving a cold case that has remained unsolved for over 40 years. On November 17, 1983, at approximately 7:15 PM, William “Bill” Kemmer was tragically ambushed and shot in the back with a high-powered rifle as he exited his red Ford truck in his own driveway at 7094 HWY 70 East. Bill Kemmer was found dead beside his truck, and to this day, the case remains unresolved.
Bill Kemmer was a respected figure in our community, having served three terms as the mayor of Crab Orchard and playing a pivotal role in the incorporation of Cumberland County’s third city. In addition to his public service, Bill was a successful business owner with deep roots in Crab Orchard. On the night of his murder, he was carrying between $60,000 and $70,000 in cash—funds that were never recovered—along with important receipts and personal documents stored in several money bags inside a brown canvas bowling bag.
If you have any information, please contact Crossville-Cumberland County Crime Stoppers at 931-200-1173. Every detail counts, and your information could be the key to solving this case.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter. Together, we can seek justice for Bill Kemmer and bring closure to his loved ones.
Sincerely,
Sheriff Casey Cox
(Photo of William Bill Kemmer courtesy Crossville-Cumberland County Crimestoppers)
