Detective William F. Murphy, aged 37, was a dedicated officer of the Peoria Police Department in Illinois. On June 23, 1903, Detective Murphy was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a coal thief near Eaton Street and Water Street in Peoria. The incident occurred when Detective Murphy and another officer confronted the thief, who opened fire, fatally wounding Detective Murphy. The suspect was later convicted of murder and executed by hanging at the Peoria County Jail on December 11, 1903.
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