Chief of Police Erskine G. Fish

Erskine G. Fish

Chief Erskine Fish was shot and killed when he attempted to halt and question two prowlers who had been terrorizing residents of the Woodlake District.

Before Chief Fish was shot one of the residents grabbed one of the suspects but was forced to let him go when the other threatened him with a gun. Minutes later he heard several shots a block away and went there and found that Chief Fish had been killed. Both suspects were captured a few hours later.

Both suspects, ages 26 and 28, were convicted of first degree murder in October of 1936 and sentenced to death. On November 11, 1937, Governor Merriam commutted their sentences to life in San Quentin Prison. One died in San Quentin Prison on February 13, 1944.