In the quiet expanse of Walnut Creek, some forty miles west of Prescott, Arizona, the life of Deputy Sheriff John M. Murphy, a 40-year-old man, was tragically cut short in December of 1885. Known as one of the most popular men in Yavapai County, his death sent shockwaves through the community.
The incident began when Deputy Murphy set out to question a man named D. W. Dilda about the recent theft of a gold watch.
Unbeknownst to Murphy, Dilda had previously murdered a prospector and mistakenly believed the deputy's visit was in connection to that more serious crime. Fearing he was about to be apprehended for murder, Dilda laid in wait for the approaching lawman.
As Deputy Sheriff Murphy neared, Dilda, who was hidden, ambushed him, shooting him in the back. Following the fatal shot, Dilda dragged Murphy's body and buried it in the cellar under his own cabin to conceal the crime. He then fled the area, leaving his wife behind.
Not long after, reports of gunfire and Murphy's failure to return prompted a search. Evidence of a struggle and a body being dragged was discovered, but the deputy was nowhere to be found. The grim truth of what had transpired came to light when Dilda's own wife reported the murder to the sheriff. This courageous act led to the discovery of Deputy Murphy's body.
A posse, led by Sheriff Mulvenon, was dispatched to apprehend Dilda. He was subsequently captured, convicted of the murder of Deputy Sheriff John M. Murphy, and hanged for his crime on February 5, 1886. Deputy Murphy was laid to rest in the Citizens Cemetery in Prescott.
