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Incident
Night Watchman William Kilroy was shot and killed by a man he suspected of committing several burglaries in Nevada City. Night Watchman Kilroy began to follow the subject whenever he came into town. Shortly after midnight on March 30th, Watchman Kilroy encountered the subject at a saloon and was confronted by the man. The two walked a short distance to the intersection of Broad Street and Pine Street, where the man threatened Watchman Kilroy. As Watchman Kilroy grabbed the man's shoulders, the subject shot him in the chest, causing them to both fall to the ground. The subject stood up and then shot Watchman Kilroy in the head, killing him. The man fled but was arrested by the county sheriff several days later. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. He died at Folsom Prison on August 2nd, 1922.
Survivors
Night Watchman Kilroy was survived by his son.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
127 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Night Watchman Kilroy served with the Nevada City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Nevada City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Nevada City Police Department has lost 3 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1899, 3 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 114th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1899, 90 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1899, 92 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 38. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35.
William was 38. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
William was 38. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
March holds 7.6% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 15.9%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Nevada City Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 26.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Nevada City Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 58-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Nevada City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
