In the early hours of Sunday, October 1, 1905, in the bustling saloon district of Las Vegas, a newly appointed male night watchman named Joe Mulholland was shot and killed. The events leading to his death began with a dispute over a ring with a man named William McCarty inside Arthur Frye's saloon on First Street. The argument escalated, resulting in Mulholland striking McCarty, drawing his weapon, and taking him into custody.
After marching McCarty to the local lockup, Mulholland had a
change of heart. He returned to the saloon and informed the bartender that he had released McCarty, stating that the jail was too cold and damp to confine a man overnight. This act of compassion would ultimately prove fatal. Following his release, McCarty sought out a friend, Jack Quintell, and procured a gun.
Around six o'clock that morning, McCarty returned to Frye's saloon. Mulholland entered the establishment shortly after through a back door and stood at the far end of the bar. McCarty then confronted him, reportedly asking, "Have you got your gun?" before opening fire. Three shots were fired in quick succession, with one striking Mulholland in the right side and the other two in his back as he turned. The only other people present were two bartenders who were changing shifts and did not immediately realize what had transpired.
Dr. Martin and Dr. Renshaw were summoned to attend to the gravely wounded watchman, who had been moved to a tent behind the Pioneer saloon. Despite their efforts, Joe Mulholland succumbed to his injuries at eight o'clock, approximately two hours after the shooting. An inquest held that afternoon confirmed the details of the incident. William McCarty was taken into custody and committed without bail following a preliminary examination. However, at his trial, McCarty claimed he acted in self-defense and was ultimately acquitted of the murder. The local Las Vegas newspaper expressed astonishment at the verdict. Following his acquittal, McCarty briefly returned to Las Vegas to settle his affairs before moving back to his hometown of Butte, Montana.
