Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
298 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Forum Posts for A. L. Smithers:
Be respectful. Abuse of these forums will not be tolerated.

I’ve been digging into the 1911 Deming shootings, and while the overall tragedy is well known in true crime circles, I’m curious about how the local community of the time reacted to this terrifying event. It must have been an incredibly tense atmosphere, knowing an armed fugitive was on the loose after taking out two lawmen. I wonder how the people in Deming managed their own safety during the manhunt or if any personal accounts from residents survived. It’s important to also remember the impact such incidents have on small communities, not just the families of those who were lost. In times like these, communities come together in ways that are both admirable and deeply human. If anyone has any more insight or resources about the community’s perspective, I’d love to learn more.
I've been diving into the case of Special Deputy Smithers and Deputy Hall, and something that stood out to me was the sheer bravery it must have taken for those officers to pursue an armed and dangerous fugitive. In the early 1900s, they didn't have the technology or protective gear our officers have today. Can you even imagine approaching a suspect knowing the odds were so heavily against you?
It's also worth reflecting on the community impact of such tragic events. Deming, NM, must have been a tight-knit community back then, and losing two lawmen so suddenly would have left a profound mark on the town. I can't help but think about the families and friends they left behind and how their lives were changed forever.
Does anyone know more about what happened in the community in the aftermath, or how this affected law enforcement practices in the area? It seems like a moment in history that would have sparked significant changes.