Officer Charles F. Castor of the San Francisco Police Department met a tragic end on November 26, 1911. On that fateful day, Officer Castor, along with his colleague Officer Thomas Finnelly, attempted to arrest a suspect wanted for murder in Veley, Greece. The officers had been tipped off by an informant that the suspect would be arriving at the Ferry Building in San Francisco. As they moved to apprehend the suspect, the situation quickly escalated.
The suspect, armed with a revolver, opened fire, fatally wounding both officers. Officer Castor succumbed to his injuries later that evening.
The aftermath of this incident saw swift justice. The suspect was apprehended at the scene and subsequently tried for the murders of Officers Castor and Finnelly. The trial concluded with the suspect being sentenced to death, and he was hanged on March 14, 1913. The case did not end there, however. A relative of the suspect later killed the informant who had provided the crucial tip to the police. This relative was also arrested and faced legal consequences for their actions.
Officer Castor's death was a significant loss to the San Francisco Police Department, where he had served with dedication for 22 years. He left behind a grieving family, including his wife and six sons. His sacrifice is remembered and honored by his descendants and the law enforcement community, who continue to pay tribute to his bravery and service. Officer Castor is buried in Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma, California, where his legacy as a dedicated officer and a hero lives on.
