On Friday 12th September 1884, Constable Hackett, stationed at Beverely, arrested two men, Andrew Miller and Thomas Carberry for drunkenness, he also suspected them of stealing the clothes they possessed and refused to return them, but still granted them Bail.  

Constable Hackett left the station at 8pm on his rounds of the town, but never returned.

The next morning his body was discovered near the Beverley Showgrounds by his in-laws, who were out searching for him. He had been severely beaten about the head and body with two blacksmith's hammers. 

Evidence found at the scene implicated Miller and Carberry.

Officers were dispatched from Perth with Miller being captured after a gun battle but died of his wounds.  

Carberry escaped but was captured at York on 18th September 1884 with no resistance and was executed on the 23rd of October 1884.  

Constable Hackett left behind a wife and a newly born son.