While investigating a stagecoach robbery that had occurred in Siskiyou County on September 25, 1897, Siskiyou County Undersheriff William A. Radford received information as to the suspect. The person committing this crime was believed to be William Harrall of the community of Delta in Shasta County. As Undersheriff Radford and Shasta County Deputy G.H. Stewart were admitted to the residence, Harrall drew a pistol and shot Radford in the heart and stomach, killing him. At that time Stewart then shot and killed Harrall.