Constable William Richardson was murdered at Lillimilura Police Post (GR: UTM 51K 7 08 683E 80 72 116N) in the Kimberley region around November 3, 1894.

Accompanied only by his police trackers, Pigeon (Jandamarra) and Captain, whom he regarded as completely loyal and trustworthy, Richardson was in the process of escorting 15 Aboriginal prisoners he had arrested, to Derby. As was the practice at that time the prisoners were joined by neck chains, and when Pigeon and Captain left to track another wanted man, Ellemara, Richardson, who was very ill, was left alone.

His trackers captured Ellemara, but while taking him to Richardson at Lillimilura, they were persuaded by their prisoner to desert their positions and join him in liberating the prisoners.

While Richardson was sleeping they put this plan into action. Pigeon shot Richardson, and others joined with him in the murderous deed. Pigeon then led the group on a killing spree through the Kimberley region, promising his followers he would drive all whites from the North.

During his two and half years of rampage Pigeon was feared by the white settlers and by many of his own people, as he raided camps and stole women, and killed indiscriminately.

After being hunted by police parties and vengeful Aborigines, most of Pigeon's gang were eventually killed or captured. On April 1, 1897, Pigeon was shot by a police patrol near to his long-time hideout in the caves of the King Leopold Ranges in the Kimberley.