Constable James Walsh

James Walsh

Constable James Walsh was shot and killed while attempting to serve a summons on a suspect. The suspect opened fire with a revolver, striking Constable Walsh twice in the legs and once in the head. The suspect fled the scene but was captured the next day.

The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. On September 6th, 1900, a few days after he was awarded a new trial, the man escaped from the Monmouth County Jail. Three months later he was captured near Portsmouth, Virginia, after he was shot and wounded as he attempted to flee from officers. On December 8th, 1900, he tore the bandages from his wounds and bled to death in the Portsmouth Jail.

Constable Walsh had retired as chief of police and was serving as a constable at the time of the shooting. He was survived by his wife and three children.