KP
Karl Peterfish
1934
Karl C. Peterfish.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Deputy Sheriff Karl Peterfish was shot and killed while escorting a group of non-union miners out of the Goodwill mines during a strike.
A group of union miners opened fire on the group, killing Deputy Peterfish. One of the union miners was wounded by the return gunfire.
Eleven union miners were arrested and charged with Deputy Peterfish's murder. Ten of the suspects were convicted and received varying sentences to a maximum of 18 years.
Deputy Peterfish was a United States Army WWI veteran and had served in law enforcement for 15 years. He served with the Mercer County Sheriff's Department and Wyoming County Sheriff's Department for over a year and previously served with the West Virginia State Police.
A group of union miners opened fire on the group, killing Deputy Peterfish. One of the union miners was wounded by the return gunfire.
Eleven union miners were arrested and charged with Deputy Peterfish's murder. Ten of the suspects were convicted and received varying sentences to a maximum of 18 years.
Deputy Peterfish was a United States Army WWI veteran and had served in law enforcement for 15 years. He served with the Mercer County Sheriff's Department and Wyoming County Sheriff's Department for over a year and previously served with the West Virginia State Police.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
Service Record
Also Served
Mercer County Sheriff's Department
Deputy Sheriff
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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