Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia
End of Watch: Friday, December 29, 1871
Age: 38
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 29, 1871
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Acquitted
Officer Francis Doyle was shot and killed as he and several other officers attempted to force entry into a home at 339 Maryland Avenue while conducting an investigation.
Officers had gone to the home earlier in an attempt to recover a stolen watch and were held off by the suspect's wife. When the officers returned, they forced the door open but were immediately fired at by the woman. Officer Doyle was struck in the chest and killed instantly.
The woman was charged with murdering Officer Doyle but acquitted at trial.
Officer Doyle was a U.S. Navy Veteran of the Civil War and had served with the Metropolitan Police Department for five years. He was survived by his wife and three children. His son, who was an infant when he died, joined the Metropolitan Police Department.
Officer Doyle was buried at Congressional Cemetery in Washington, DC.