On 13th of November 1904, Constable J.P. Sullivan and Aboriginal Police Assistant Joe set up a temporary camp at Barker Gorge, near the Leopold Ranges, WA.

Constable Sullivan directed Joe to check the Police horses, Joe left the camp at approximately 3.30pm but never returned.

Constable Sullivan left to search for Joe early on the 14th of November, but found him dead with several serious wounds to the head and body.