In 1885, Dennis Dilda was running a farm in Yavapai County, Arizona Territory. A man named Jenkins was also living there; Dilda killed him for no apparent reason, then hid the body.
On December 20, lawmen came out to investigate the Jenkins disappearance—and Dilda struck again, ambushing and killing Deputy Sheriff John Murphy. Dilda buried his body as well before going on the run. He was eventually captured and convicted in the murders. Dilda went to the gallows in Prescott on February 5, 1886. An estimated 800 people watched the execution.
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