In the line of duty, Phoenix Police Officer John A. Robertson, a 31-year-old male, was fatally shot on November 17, 1984. At the time of his death, he had been with the police department for eight years and was working an off-duty security job at the Sixpence Inn to save money for his family's Christmas. He was survived by his wife and two children.
While on duty at the hotel located at 1624 N. Black Canyon Highway, Officer Robertson was investigating the robbery of two truck drivers.
He was questioning a suspect behind the hotel when the individual suddenly opened fire. Officer Robertson was struck by the gunfire and transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries two days later.
The investigation into the murder of Officer Robertson led to the apprehension of three individuals. A 25-year-old man, along with two women aged 18 and 19, were arrested in connection with the fatal shooting and robbery. In 1986, the male suspect was convicted of murder, armed robbery, and burglary, receiving a sentence of 66 years in prison. The year prior, in 1985, the two female suspects were convicted of second-degree murder and each sentenced to 10 years in prison.
