In the late summer of 1910, a tragedy unfolded in the bustling mining town of Jerome, Arizona, forever marking the community. Charles Emmerson King, a 47-year-old male Night Policeman, found his life cut short in the line of duty. On the evening of August 27th, the sharp retort of gunfire shattered the night's quiet, drawing Officer King to a residence where a domestic dispute had taken a dangerous turn.
A local man, fueled by alcohol, had gone to the home of his estranged wife and began
shooting. Arriving at the chaotic scene, Officer King began to question a 14-year-old girl who was present. It was in this moment of inquiry that two more shots rang out. One of the bullets struck the young girl in the leg, while the other found its mark in Officer King's back, inflicting a mortal wound.
The man responsible for the gunfire was promptly arrested. He was later convicted of murder for his actions on that fateful night. The wheels of justice turned, and the suspect was ultimately executed by hanging for the murder of Night Policeman Charles Emmerson King. Officer King was survived by his wife, son, and daughter, leaving a void in his family and the community he served to protect.
