Lieutenant William L. Burke
San Francisco Police Department
California
End of Watch: Wednesday, March 23, 1898

Biographical Info
Age: 46
Tour of Duty: 10 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Wednesday, March 23, 1898
Weapon Used: Handgun; Revolver
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life

Lieutenant William Burke was shot and killed after responding to a house that the suspect was trespassing in near the intersection of Montcalm Street and Peralta Avenue at 10:45 am.

The suspect claimed the house was his, but it was in fact, not. When he was asked to leave, the suspect drew a pistol and shot Lieutenant Burke in the abdomen. A squad of riflemen responded to the scene and forced the suspect to surrender. The suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Lieutenant Burk had served with the San Francisco Police Department for over 10 years. He was survived by his wife and two brothers. One of his brothers served in Royal Irish Constabulary.