In the early 20th century, a male law enforcement officer named Charles Hoard was killed in the line of duty in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. On December 12, 1907, Officer Hoard had arrested three men for drunkenness. While in his custody, one of the men, a popular young attorney, shot and killed him. The weapon used was a gun of an unknown type.
The suspect was charged with murder and released on a $5,000 bond, claiming self-defense. His first trial resulted in a hung jury.
A second trial was held, and the jury acquitted him of the murder of Officer Hoard. Following his acquittal, the former suspect's health began to decline. On July 15, 1913, he took his own life.
