Marshal Thomas Jefferson Packard, aged 43, met a tragic end on April 19, 1903, in Bakersfield, California. Packard, who served as the City Marshal of Bakersfield, was involved in a deadly shootout while attempting to serve a murder warrant on the notorious outlaw Jim McKinney. The confrontation took place in the backyard of a location known as the Hop Joint on L Street. Packard, along with Deputy Marshal William E.
Tibbet, was part of a larger posse that included Sheriff Kelly, Deputy Baker, and several others. The plan was for Packard and Tibbet to search the house while the rest of the team guarded the perimeter.
The situation escalated when shots were fired approximately 15 minutes after Packard and Tibbet entered the house. Deputy Etter, who was part of the posse, broke down the gate and began firing at McKinney, who was standing in the doorway. During the exchange, Packard was grievously wounded, sustaining severe injuries to his arms. Despite his injuries, Packard continued to engage McKinney, who ultimately shot him in the neck, causing fatal injuries. Deputy Tibbet was also fatally wounded by a rifle shot, believed to have been fired by another suspect, Al Hulse.
Jim McKinney, the primary suspect, was killed during the shootout by Bert Tibbet, the brother of the slain Deputy Marshal. McKinney's head was shattered by a load of buckshot, ending his life instantly. Al Hulse, who was implicated in the shooting, was arrested and later sentenced to life in prison for his involvement in the murders. However, Hulse committed suicide before his sentence could be carried out.
The deaths of Marshal Packard and Deputy Tibbet were widely reported and mourned in the community. The incident highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers during that era and underscored the violent nature of the criminal elements they were up against. The bravery and sacrifice of Packard and Tibbet were commemorated, and their names were added to the California Peace Officers' Memorial Foundation's honor roll.
