Patrolman Robert B. McPherson was killed on Sept. 19, after being assaulted while on jail duty. He was attempting to break up a fight between two inmates.

As he entered the cell, one of the inmates grabbed McPherson’s nightstick and began beating him over the head with it. Other officers were able to subdue the prisoner. McPherson was transported to a local hospital with serious head injuries.

The next day he left the hospital without permission but was later found walking around dazed and confused. He was returned to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries the next day.

McPherson had been with the San Diego Police Department for four years.

His wife and 12-year-old son survived him.