Sheriff Joseph McKinney, Sacramento County Sheriff's Office, California

Sheriff Joseph McKinney

Sacramento County Sheriff's Office, California

End of Watch Thursday, August 15, 1850

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Joseph McKinney

Sheriff Joseph McKinney was shot and killed as he and his deputies attempted to arrest several squatters.

As a result of the California Gold Rush, several confrontations took place between Sacramento County property owners and squatters during the summer of 1850. Following the funeral of the city assessor, who was killed in a battle with squatters the day before, Sheriff McKinney and twenty deputies rode to Brighton where several squatters had barricaded themselves in a house. As they entered the house gunfire erupted. Sheriff McKinney and two squatters were killed before the other squatters were forced to surrender.

Sheriff McKinney had held the position of Sheriff for only five months and was the county's first elected Sheriff.

Bio

Age Not available
Tour 5 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Two shot and killed

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Sheriff McKinney,
On today, the 175th anniversary of your death I would jus like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Sacramento County.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

August 15, 2025