Virginia City Police Department, Nevada
End of Watch Sunday, April 12, 1863
Add to My HeroesDennis McMahon
Police Officer Dennis McMahon and Police Officer Thomas Reed were shot and killed while attempting to arrest an outlaw. The suspect shot both officers in the chest and then fled.
The suspect was arrested a short time later and was subsequently acquitted at trial. The man was later shot and killed when he attempted to shoot another man in a saloon.
The shooting of the two officers was heard by their friend, Samuel Clemens, better known as the legendary author Mark Twain. Accounts of the shootings appeared in several of Mark Twain's writings.
Bio
- Age Not available
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Acquitted
Most Recent Reflection
View all 11 ReflectionsOfficer McMahon,
On today, the 160th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Virginia City.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
April 12, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths
Detective Timothy Jones
Park Forest Police Department, IL
EOW: December 3, 2025
Specialist Sarah Beckstrom
United States Department of Defense - Army National Guard - West Virginia Army National Guard, WV
EOW: November 27, 2025
Reserve Deputy Sheriff John C. Stahl, III
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: June 8, 2025
Sergeant Terri Jean Sweeting-Mashkow
Indian River County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 21, 2025
Police Officer Alec Sanders
Alhambra Police Department, CA
EOW: November 20, 2025
Corrections Officer Jeremy Lewis Hall
Virginia Department of Corrections, VA
EOW: November 17, 2025
Police Officer Marc Brock
Vivian Police Department, LA
EOW: November 14, 2025
Corporal Blake Adair Reynolds
Delaware County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: November 12, 2025
Police Officer Roger Smith
WakeMed Campus Police & Public Safety Department, NC
EOW: November 8, 2025

