In the rugged landscape near a desolate, abandoned mine in Bisbee, Arizona, the life of Constable Andrew E. Sheppard, a 51-year-old male, was brought to a violent end on September 16, 1920. While on duty, he was investigating reports of two suspicious men seen loitering in the area. Accompanied by Charles Long, Constable Sheppard approached the individuals to question them.
The encounter quickly escalated when the two men brandished firearms and opened fire on the lawman and his companion.
Constable Sheppard was struck four times in the chest, the bullets inflicting fatal wounds. Despite the gravity of his injuries, his immediate concern was for the apprehension of his assailants. He handed his own weapon to Long, who had been wounded in his left arm, urging him to pursue the fleeing suspects. Long gave chase and managed to return fire before the loss of blood from his own injury caused him to collapse. Constable Sheppard succumbed to his wounds shortly after the shooting.
In the aftermath of the deadly confrontation, a manhunt was launched for the two perpetrators. One of the suspects was eventually apprehended and subsequently charged in connection with the murder of Constable Sheppard. However, the final disposition of this case remains unclear from available records. A second suspect was located and arrested in Mexico. Despite efforts by United States authorities to have him returned to face justice, his extradition was ultimately unsuccessful. Andrew E. Sheppard was survived by his two daughters and two sons.
