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William Phoenix

Death by Force
Case Description
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William A. Phoenix, who served as the first sheriff of Amador County, California, met a tragic end on August 12, 1855, at the age of 32. His death occurred in Tuolumne County under violent circumstances. Sheriff Phoenix was actively pursuing a group of Mexican bandits who had committed a series of heinous crimes in Amador County, including raiding, sacking, and killing six citizens in the area known as Drytown. This brutal event came to be known as the Rancheria Massacre.

During his pursu ...Read More
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  • Sheriff William A. Phoenix
    • Victim Details

    William A. Phoenix

    Male

    Tuolumne

    CA

    1855-08-12

    32

    William

    Phoenix

    11/13/2025

    Forum Posts (3)
    I've been reading more about the circumstances surrounding the death of Sheriff William A. Phoenix, ... ...Read More
    10/28/2024
    Has anyone else been reading about the aftermath of Sheriff Phoenix’s tragic death? I can’t stop... ...Read More
    12/18/2023
    Did you guys ever wonder about the impact all this chaos had on the local community back in the 1850... ...Read More
    06/22/2023
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