In the spring of 1909, a Louisville patrolman's life was tragically cut short in the line of duty. H. Clarence Conner, a 28-year-old male officer, was a husband and a father to two young daughters. His life was brought to an abrupt and violent end on the night of Saturday, May 22, 1909.
On that fateful evening, Patrolman Conner responded to a report of a fight that had broken out at a tavern located at the corner of Preston and Shelby Streets.
While attempting to make an arrest in connection with the altercation, a struggle ensued. In the chaos of the moment, the suspect managed to gain control of Conner's own service weapon. The suspect then fired a single, fatal shot, striking the officer in the head.
Following the shooting, a sheriff's deputy took the suspect into custody, along with three other individuals. All four were subsequently tried for the murder of Patrolman Conner. However, the man who fired the weapon claimed self-defense, and ultimately, he and the other three individuals were acquitted of the crime.
Despite the acquittal, the man who took Conner's life was plagued by his actions. While awaiting trial, he reportedly attempted to take his own life on three separate occasions and exhibited signs of deteriorating mental health. His struggles with insanity continued after the trial, and in 1922, his wife was able to have him committed to a mental institution.
