On the 30th of March 1912, at about 11pm, patrons were drinking in the bar at the Roebuck Bay Hotel, Broome, when "Closing Time" was called.

As a couple sat on the porch of the hotel outside, a passing group of men began to fight with couple. Constable Fletcher came to the aid of the man and during the fight he was fatally stabbed in the neck, severing his jugular artery. 

Constable Fletcher was taken to the local doctor and transferred to the Broome Hospital where he died at 5am on 1st April 1912. 

Two men were charged and convicted of wilful murder and sentenced to 10 years
imprisonment.

Constable Fletcher is buried in Broome.