Officer Mooney succumbed to a gunshot wound received the previous day after arresting two suspects for a minor charge of breaching the peace. He searched one of the suspects and found a concealed revolver. However, the suspect had a second concealed revolver which Officer Mooney did not find. The suspect waited until he had an opportunity to shoot Officer Mooney and then did so.

The 21-year-old suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life.