Investigator William Carter was employed with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for seven years. He was hired on January 4, 1962. Investigator Carter was assigned to the Indio Station. His law enforcement career began with the Riverside Sheriff’s Department and he did not work with any other law enforcement agency.

On May 14, 1969, Investigator Carter and Sergeant William Rutledge were traveling from Blythe to Indio after working during the morning hours in Blythe. Both men apparently dozed off. The patrol unit they were traveling in smashed into the rear end of a truck and killed Sergeant Rutledge instantly. Investigator Carter died six days later.

Investigator Carter was survived by his wife, Ethel, and three children.