John Spell

Death by Force

On June 18, 1906, Patrolman John Spellman, a 41-year-old officer of the Denver Police Department, lost his life in the line of duty. Spellman, who had been serving as a beat cop on the night shift in a challenging part of town, was fatally shot while attempting to arrest three drunken men who were creating a disturbance.

The incident occurred in front of Vance's Saloon at 919 19th Street, an area known for its rough clientele. The three men involved were George Turner, Edward Carse, and ...Read More