Constable Robert Murphy

Constable Robert Murphy

Bath Township Constable's Office, Indiana

End of Watch Thursday, November 11, 1824

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Robert Murphy

Constable Robert Murphy died eight days after being stabbed while attempting to serve a warrant in Bath Township.

The subject of the warrant was a 75-year-old man who was wanted for assaulting a female neighbor. When Constable Murphy first spoke to the man, the subject refused to accompany him and instead said he would appear the next morning.

Constable Murphy left the cabin but later returned to take the man into custody. He was met on the doorstep by the man who had pulled a butcher knife that he had hidden between logs in the wall. The man thrust the knife into the left side of Constable Murphy, who succumbed to his wound eight days later.

The man was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. On May 27th, 1825, as he stood on the gallows, the governor arrived by horseback from Indianapolis to grant him a pardon.

Constable Murphy had only recently been appointed as a constable. He was survived by his five brothers, three sisters, parents, and paternal grandparents.

Constable Murphy is the first known law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty in the state of Indiana.

Bio

  • Age 24
  • Tour 1 week
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Stabbed
  • Incident Date Wednesday, November 3, 1824
  • Weapon Edged weapon; Knife
  • Offender Pardoned in 1825

warrant service

Most Recent Reflection

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today 200 years later we remember your service and sacrifice. What a way to die, suffering for 8 days from the knife wound inflicted by someone who didn't want to go to jail. Then to add insult to injury on the day he was to pay for your death May 27th, 1825 ,while he stood on the gallows, the governor arrived by horseback from Indianapolis to grant him a pardon.
Some times there just doesn't seem to be any justice. There is a special place for people like that, I am sure he is rotting in hell and I wouldn't be shocked if the Governor was with him.
You continue to rest in peace Constable Murphy.

Elizabeth
Widow of Deputy Michael Haugen.
Riverside County Sheriffs Department

November 12, 2024

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