The Murder of Marysville Police Officer - James Mock
This is 1 of 3, in a three-part series, chronicling the murder of 3 peace officers within the Marysville Police Department within a 7-year span. These dates are from 1915-1922. This first death is that of Officer James Mock.
According to the "History Of Yuba And Sutter Counties, CHAPTER X CRIMES AND CRIMINALS", James Wesley Mock was shot on May 7, 1918, while investigating an attempted robbery of the Dawson House, which was an inn at the corner of 2nd and E, that accommodated the pioneers of our area.
Officers were tracing the steps of William Shortridge about 2:30 a.m. and this led them into an area known as "the jungles" near the Western Pacific passenger depot (I believe this may be the depot that is now the Salvation Army Mission) on K Street. K Street does not even exist today, but in looking at a map, my best guess is that this would be somewhere around Beckworth Riverfront Park.
With his prisoner under arrest, the officer led his suspect out about 30 to 40 feet. The officer whistled out twice to his fellow officers, to alert them that the suspect had been found. Receiving no response, it is here that Police Officer James Mock began to handcuff Shortridge. Immediately the suspect began to resist, knocking the handcuffs to the ground. Mock drew his gun and the perpetrator wrestled the officer for his service weapon and was able to overpower him.
Mock couldn't have ever imagined that he would be fired upon by the very gun that gave him protection during these dark times in Marysville history.
Shortridge escaped, and Mock didn't die right away. A manhunt of local officers and citizens alike ensued. Shortridge was found by citizens that same afternoon, hiding in a grain-field just south of Marysville.
It didn't take long for this story to overtake the front pages of newspapers throughout the California valley and beyond.
Mock fought for his life at the neighboring hospital but eventually succumbed to his injuries. Shortridge was eventually was convicted and hanged on May 1, 1919.
Here are the articles that chronicled the events as they unfolded.
WARNING - Some of the terminology used in this article may be offensive to some. For historical accuracy, I do not censor the use of this offensive verbiage.
(These first two articles are just to help give some humanity to this officer that fought to protect the citizens of our city)
Colusa Daily Sun, Number 290, 15 December 1914
THE MURDER-
Red Bluff Daily News, Volume XXXIV, Number 157, 8 May 1918
Sacramento Union, Volume 202, Number 17, 17 May 1918
Saloons Responsible for Murder, Says Rich
Special to the Union. MARYSVILLE (Yuba Co.), May 16. In a sermon delivered this morning at the funer.al of Officer James Mock, Rev. E. R. Rich of the local Presbyterian church placed the responsibility for the killing of the officer on the people of Marysville for allowing the saloons to exist. Rev. Rich declared that some saloons were not fit to live in hell,” and that at their next meeting the city council should vote to close the saloons at 10 o’clock at night. lie al.so said that the trial would brnig out that the slayer, Shortridge, was in a local saloon drinking whisky straight between 11 and 11’ on the night of the tragedy, and was drink crazed when he committed the murder. Rev. Rich said that an order should he made by the chief forbidding an officer going Into the river bottoms alone at night, as JamesMock did in di.scharge of his duties.
Sacramento Union, Volume 202, Number 24, 24 May 1918
Negro Pleads Not Guilty to Murder
MARYSVILLE (Yuba Co.). May 23.— William Shortridge, charged with tho murder of Police Officer James Mock, whom he shot on Tuesday, May 7. pleaded not guilty to the charge before Superior Judge E. P. McDaniel today and his trial was set for June 20. Shortridge was represented hy Oscar Hudson, a colored attorney from San Francisco.
Negro Who Killed Policeman Hanged At Folsom Prison
According to the "History Of Yuba And Sutter Counties, CHAPTER X CRIMES AND CRIMINALS", James Wesley Mock was shot on May 7, 1918, while investigating an attempted robbery of the Dawson House, which was an inn at the corner of 2nd and E, that accommodated the pioneers of our area.
Officers were tracing the steps of William Shortridge about 2:30 a.m. and this led them into an area known as "the jungles" near the Western Pacific passenger depot (I believe this may be the depot that is now the Salvation Army Mission) on K Street. K Street does not even exist today, but in looking at a map, my best guess is that this would be somewhere around Beckworth Riverfront Park.
With his prisoner under arrest, the officer led his suspect out about 30 to 40 feet. The officer whistled out twice to his fellow officers, to alert them that the suspect had been found. Receiving no response, it is here that Police Officer James Mock began to handcuff Shortridge. Immediately the suspect began to resist, knocking the handcuffs to the ground. Mock drew his gun and the perpetrator wrestled the officer for his service weapon and was able to overpower him.
Mock couldn't have ever imagined that he would be fired upon by the very gun that gave him protection during these dark times in Marysville history.
Shortridge escaped, and Mock didn't die right away. A manhunt of local officers and citizens alike ensued. Shortridge was found by citizens that same afternoon, hiding in a grain-field just south of Marysville.
It didn't take long for this story to overtake the front pages of newspapers throughout the California valley and beyond.
 |
| The Pacific Reporter, Volume 177 |
Here are the articles that chronicled the events as they unfolded.
WARNING - Some of the terminology used in this article may be offensive to some. For historical accuracy, I do not censor the use of this offensive verbiage.
(These first two articles are just to help give some humanity to this officer that fought to protect the citizens of our city)
Colusa Daily Sun, Number 290, 15 December 1914
James Mock, brother to Councilman Mock, was unanimously chosen to fill the place on the force which will be left vacant by Officer Sayles, He was put in nomination by Councilman Mock and Councilman Bevan seconded it. The vote was unanimous. Henry Harrington was appointed ta fill the vacancy caused by the promotion of Smith.
Sacramento Union, Volume 193, Number 19, 19 January 1917
POLICEMAN'S HOME ROBBED
MARYSVILLE (Yuba Co.). Jan. 18.— Burglars operating in Marysville are getting bolder every day. Last night while Patrolman James Mock and his family were taking in the movies robbers entered his home on Fourth street and helped themselves to baby clothes, boots shoes, a flashlight and other wearing- apparel.
THE MURDER-
Red Bluff Daily News, Volume XXXIV, Number 157, 8 May 1918
NEGRO WHO SHOT NIGHT POLICE OFFICER CAUGHT BY POSSE NEAR MARYSVILLE
"Sheriff Boyd received word over the long distance last night that K. E. Shattuck, the negro, who shot and perhaps fatally wounded James Mock, a police officer in Marysville, had been captured. He was found by a posse about twelve miles south of Marysville. He had the officer's gun on him. Sheriff Boyd was called on the telephone about 5 o'clock on Tuesday morning and given a description of the negro. In turn, he notified every officer in the country to look out for the man. Mock sought to arrest the negro only to have his revolver wrested away in a desperate encounter in the dense undergrowth along the Feather river banks, staggered some seventy-five or a hundred yards from the scene of the shooting and sank to the earth at the Western Pacific railroad station at Marysville. Mocknow lies In the Rideout Hospital suffering from a ghastly wound, which two doctors in attendance state will prove fatal. Mockhimself insists he will live if the doctors will fix him up. The dying statement of Mock has been taken. Mock drew' his revolver, only to have the negro grasp it with both hands and succeeded in wresting it from him. He then drew his nightstick and struck the negro two blows on the head. He was himself fired at four times by his antagonist, one of the bullets striking him. He managed to get away and reach the station. The negro was wanted on a robbery charge."
Weekly Colusa Sun, Number 55, 9 May 1918
MOCK LIVES; NEGRO IN JAIL
MARYSVILLE, May B.—This morning it was stated at Rideout hospital that Officer James Mock has a chance of life. Throughout the day Dr. Barr, Dr. Stratton and Dr. June Harris of Sacramento were at the bedside of the wounded officer. Dr. Barr used methods of practice in vogue on the battlefront, and to them, Mock owes his life —if his unconquered will carries him through. After a man-hunt lasting all day, the negro who mortally wounded Policeman James Mock Tuesday morning was seized in the swamp near Arboga in the district of Algondon on the Curry ranch. An armed circle had been drawn about the fugitive by Chief of Police Smith of Marysville, Sheriff Noyes of Sutter county aid posses sent out by Under Sheriff Sayles of Marysville. The negro surrendered to Officer Francis Heenan of the Marysville police force, a - companion of Officer James Mock, the stricken policeman. He had been driven into the open by County Treasurer Harvey Eich and I Kenneth Gordon, who had taken up the trail where the negro had eluded Sheriff Noyes. Would Lynch Negro. When brought to the central station in Marysville, a mob of friends of Mock attempted to seize the prisoner. Francis Heenan and Policeman Dick Barrett held back the attack and landed the trembling prisoner in jail, but not before he had received many blows; as he was being taken through the crowd. Judge McDaniel arrived soon after, I and talk of lynching ceased. The vengeance to be inflicted upon the negro will be the vengeance of the law, although it had been a day of tense excitement and clouded by threats of summary justice. The negro gives his name as Bert Shortridge. He confessed- having shot Mock. He said when the policeman arrested him he made a struggle in which he gained possession of the policeman’s revolver and fired the shot that went through Mock’s body. He also confesses to having robbed Joseph Martinez at the Dawson j hotel. He has served time in various prisons but so far has refused to state where. Last February he was employed here as a track hand on the | Southern Pacific railway. Men at a pumping station near Arboga saw the negro on the railway tracks and sent word to Chief of Po- | lice Smith. When Smith arrived at | Sankey station he found Detective I Pennish of Sacramento already there, j and as they trailed the man to Pleasant Grove, they encountered four more Sacramento Front Office Men, including Haloran and Ryan. Sheriff Riddle of Butte county also was on the scene as well as Marshal Curran of Oroville. Inside the circle, Harvey Eich and Kenneth Gordon were following the trail of this man as he zig-zagged from Sutter to Placer counties and back again, over bramble patches and through sloughs until their quarry was driven into the barley field on Curry’s ranch. It was there that A 1 Woodard drew down with a shotgun on the fugitive while Jerry Sheehan poked a forty-five in his ribs on one side and Officer Heenan shoved an automatic against his head from the other. The negro surrendered, and so ended the manhunt. Late last night Chief Smith announced that the city’s reward of $lOO should go to Sheehan and Woodard, as he believed Francis Heenan would waive-his share.
Weekly Colusa Sun, Number 55, 9 May 1918
POLICEMAN SHOT BY NEGRO
Sheriff C. D. Stanton of this city is aiding a posse of fifteen armed men from Yuba County in the effort to locate an unknown negro who shot and undoubtedly fatally wounded Patrolman James Mock of the Marysville police department at about 3 o’clock this morning when Mock attempted to arrest the Ethiopian for robbing an itinerant Mexican of $l5. Mock was shot with his own pistol, a .32 caliber police special which the fugitive negro now has together with the cartridge belt belonging to the policeman and -which was taken from his body as he staggered away from the scene of the battle after having both lungs pierced with a bullet'from his own gun. At Pleasant Grove. • The negro of whom the authorities have a fine description was last heard of in the vicinity of Pleasant Grove, Sutter County, and was reported moving south at a rapid rate. Feeling is high in Marysville and if captured his life might pay the forfeit without trial. Mock Very Low. Mock is at the Rideout hospital attended by two physicians, his wife, and two children, but his wounds are such that there seems to be little chance of his recovery. Mock was a former resident of Meridian but 15 years ago moved to Marysville. He is 42 years of age and a native of Missouri.
Story of Robbery.
According to the story from Marysville to The Sun, the negro robbed a Mexican on one of the principal streets of Marysville about 2 o’clock this morning. Two women looking out of the windows of a lodging house saw the Mexican fall and screamed. An alarm was sent to the police station. Mock responding. He searched about and finally located the negro on the Feather river bottom opposite the Western Pacific depot. He ordered the colored man to advance, which he did. The negro showed a desire to fight and when about in the vicinity of Fifth and K streets Mock struck him twice over the head with a club. The Mows took no effect and the policeman pulled his gun in the hope to intimidate the highwayman. No sooner had Mock pulled his revolver than the negro snapped it from his hands and fired four shots, three of which went wdld, the fourth one taking a fatal toll, entering the left side of the body, piercing both lungs and emerging on the right side. Mock staggered to the Western Pacific depot told his story between hemorrhages and gasps and was rushed to the hospital. The search for the negro began immediately. He was given no time to rest and it is believed that he will be located at an early date.
Story of Robbery.
According to the story from Marysville to The Sun, the negro robbed a Mexican on one of the principal streets of Marysville about 2 o’clock this morning. Two women looking out of the windows of a lodging house saw the Mexican fall and screamed. An alarm was sent to the police station. Mock responding. He searched about and finally located the negro on the Feather river bottom opposite the Western Pacific depot. He ordered the colored man to advance, which he did. The negro showed a desire to fight and when about in the vicinity of Fifth and K streets Mock struck him twice over the head with a club. The Mows took no effect and the policeman pulled his gun in the hope to intimidate the highwayman. No sooner had Mock pulled his revolver than the negro snapped it from his hands and fired four shots, three of which went wdld, the fourth one taking a fatal toll, entering the left side of the body, piercing both lungs and emerging on the right side. Mock staggered to the Western Pacific depot told his story between hemorrhages and gasps and was rushed to the hospital. The search for the negro began immediately. He was given no time to rest and it is believed that he will be located at an early date.
Madera Mercury, Volume XXXII, Number 50, 10 May 1918
SAVE NEGRO FROM LYNCHING THREAT
MARYSVILLE, Cal., May 7. —After having been captured by a posse which sought him for the shooting of James Mock, a Marysville police officer, Ben Shortrldge, 33, a North Carolina negro, was saved from lynching at the hands of a mob here late today through the persuasion of a battery of shotguns aimed by posse members at the hearts of those who sought his life. At the police station here Shortrldge was said to have made a complete confession of efforts to kill .Mock, but said that he shot In selfI defense. He was said also to have admitted holding up and robbing guests at the Dawson House, a local hotel previous to the shooting. The public said that Mock’s effort to apprehend the negro as a result of this crime was the cause of the shooting. Mock was shot through both lungs and Is near death In a local hospital.
Weekly Colusa Sun, Number 56, 11 May 1918
MOCK HAS A FIGHTING CHANCE
MARYSVILLE, May 10.—Early this morning Policeman James Mock was reported as resting easy. His condition throughout the day had varied. There were times when he rallied, and times of relapse. The fact that he is still alive is due to the efforts of Drs. Barr and Stratton, who are in constant attendance, and the fact that Mrs. Mock still is at the bedside of this police hero.
Red Bluff Daily News, Volume XXXIV, Number 164, 16 May 1918
POLICEMAN SHOT BY NEGRO DIES IN MARYSVILLE
MARYSVILLE. May 15. James Mock, Marysville policeman who was shot by a negro robber about a week ago, died at the Rideout Hospital early this morning, following an operation from which he failed to rally. A charge of murder has been placed against Will Short ridge, Mock's assailant, who was captured by a posse twelve hours after the arrest. An autopsy will be held and a coroner’s jury will render a verdict as to the cause of death.
Sacramento Union, Volume 202, Number 17, 17 May 1918
Saloons Responsible for Murder, Says Rich
Special to the Union. MARYSVILLE (Yuba Co.), May 16. In a sermon delivered this morning at the funer.al of Officer James Mock, Rev. E. R. Rich of the local Presbyterian church placed the responsibility for the killing of the officer on the people of Marysville for allowing the saloons to exist. Rev. Rich declared that some saloons were not fit to live in hell,” and that at their next meeting the city council should vote to close the saloons at 10 o’clock at night. lie al.so said that the trial would brnig out that the slayer, Shortridge, was in a local saloon drinking whisky straight between 11 and 11’ on the night of the tragedy, and was drink crazed when he committed the murder. Rev. Rich said that an order should he made by the chief forbidding an officer going Into the river bottoms alone at night, as JamesMock did in di.scharge of his duties.
Sacramento Union, Volume 202, Number 19, 19 May 1918
Appoint Officer to Take J, Mock's Place Special to the Union.
MARYSVILLE YUBA COUNTY May I8- Le Roy Parades was today appointed police officer on the Marysville police force by Chief of Police C. .V. Smith to fill the Aacancy caused by the sudden and untimely death of the late James Mock, who was killed. Parades will enter upon his ucav duties Sunday. The appointment AA'ill be confirmed by the city council at its next regular meeting. Parades has been a member of the local fire department for some time. He has been a resident of Marysville for a number of years, and is a capable young man.
Sacramento Union, Volume 202, Number 24, 24 May 1918
Negro Pleads Not Guilty to Murder
MARYSVILLE (Yuba Co.). May 23.— William Shortridge, charged with tho murder of Police Officer James Mock, whom he shot on Tuesday, May 7. pleaded not guilty to the charge before Superior Judge E. P. McDaniel today and his trial was set for June 20. Shortridge was represented hy Oscar Hudson, a colored attorney from San Francisco.
Weekly Colusa Sun, Number 22, 20 February 1919
SLAYER OF MARYSVILLE POLICEMAN MUST DIE
MARYSVILLE, Feb. 18—William Shortridge, negro slayer of Policeman James Mock here May 2, 1918, will be hanged at Folsom prison on May 2, 1919, just a year to a day from the time he shot the policeman. This was ordered by Superior Judge E. P. McDaniel. Shortridge has been returned to prison to await his execution.
Hanging- Press Democrat, Volume LXV, Number 319, 3 May 1919
By the Associated Press
Folsom, May 2. William Shortridge, a negro, paid the extreme penalty today at the Folsom State penitentiary lor the murder of .lumea Mock, a policeman of Marysville, May 7. 1918. Shortrldge was convicted June 22 lash of the murder of Mock who was wounded while attempting to arrest Shortrldge for robbeiry of a Mexican at Marysville. The •, policeman had discovered the nekro In the brush outside of Marysvilleand was about to handcuff him. In a struggle that followed Shortridge wrested Mock’s revolver from him and shot the officer. Mock died seven days later.
Folsom, May 2. William Shortridge, a negro, paid the extreme penalty today at the Folsom State penitentiary lor the murder of .lumea Mock, a policeman of Marysville, May 7. 1918. Shortrldge was convicted June 22 lash of the murder of Mock who was wounded while attempting to arrest Shortrldge for robbeiry of a Mexican at Marysville. The •, policeman had discovered the nekro In the brush outside of Marysvilleand was about to handcuff him. In a struggle that followed Shortridge wrested Mock’s revolver from him and shot the officer. Mock died seven days later.
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