Lieutenant William E. Gruber
Jacksonville Police Department
Incident Details
Cause of Death: Assault
Date of Incident: April 28, 1897
Location of Incident: Phelps Street and Liberty Street
Weapon Used: Blunt Object
Suspect Info: Unknown
The exact circumstances surrounding the death of Lieutenant Gruber are unknown. Lieutenant Gruber was found deceased in a wooded area by a local citizen. Lieutenant Gruber was struck in the head, crushing his skull, by a blunt object.
It has been said that Lieutenant Gruber was investigating a homicide at the time of his death. Additionally, due to his witness account that was forthcoming in court, he may have been killed by an individual involved in the homicide.
Lieutenant Gruber’s assailant was never found.