Memphis Police Department, Tennessee
End of Watch: Tuesday, December 31, 1867
Age: 26
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 25, 1867
Weapon Used: Handgun; Pistol
Suspect Info: Not available
Patrolman John Fenton succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained one week earlier when he attempted to remove three intoxicated men who were causing a disturbance from a saloon on Main Street near Overton Avenue.
Patrolman Fenton asked all three men to leave, and they complied. While outside the saloon one of the suspects attacked Patrolman Fenton, knocking him to the ground. The suspect then drew a pistol and fired, missing Patrolman Fenton, but striking a young boy standing nearby, killing him. Patrolman Fenton returned fire striking the suspect in the arm, but the suspect was able to fire again, striking Patrolman Fenton in the chest.
Patrolman Fenton was taken to his home where he died six days later from his wound.
The killer was executed on August 20, 1869.