City Marshal John E. Mugan

John E. Mugan

Marshal Mugan was shot and killed by the city's night watchman during a dispute over the respective duties and authority of the two officers. The night watchman, who was drunk at the time, saw Marshal Mugan standing on Main Street talking with another man. The suspect came out of the saloon and shot Marshal Mugan in the neck after swearing at him. The night watchman was arrested a short time later and charged with Marshal Mugan's murder.

The 63-year-old suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to 10 years. He was paroled on April 23, 1923.

Marshal Mugan had been with the agency for over 10 years and had previously served with the San Diego Police Department. He was survived by his three sisters. Marshal Mugan is buried in the Mission San Luis Rey Cemetery, Oceanside, California near the Indian Memorial.