In the small community of Huachuca, Arizona, a dedicated public servant named Isaac L. Roberts met an untimely and violent end. At 54 years of age, this male lawman was going about his duties as a Deputy Constable for the Cochise County Constable's Office. On Thursday, March 6, 1884, he was tasked with serving court papers related to a 'lot jumping' dispute.
It was during this seemingly routine act of civil service that the situation escalated tragically.
While attempting to deliver the legal documents, Deputy Constable Roberts was met with gunfire. The man he was serving the papers on produced a gun and shot the deputy constable, killing him. The sudden violence of the act sent shockwaves through the local community, which had entrusted Roberts with the dual roles of Deputy Constable and Tax Collector.
Following the fatal shooting, the suspect was taken into custody by authorities. The ensuing legal process found the man responsible for the death of the lawman. For his actions, the individual was sentenced to five years in prison on a charge of manslaughter. Deputy Constable Isaac L. Roberts was survived by his wife, who was left to mourn his sudden and tragic loss in the line of duty.
