Frank E. Adams, a 42-year-old deputy sheriff from Key West, Florida, was tragically killed on October 7, 1901. Adams, who was white, was performing his duties when he encountered a disturbance involving two men. The incident began when Deputy Adams observed a man causing a commotion and using offensive language while walking up Thomas Street. This man had just been involved in a fight near Jackson Square. Adams arrested the man and attempted to take him to jail, but the man resisted.
During the struggle, two citizens assisted Adams in trying to subdue the man.
As the situation escalated, the man's brother intervened, shouting that his brother would not be arrested. Deputy Adams then attempted to arrest the brother as well, leading to a physical altercation. During the struggle, the suspect managed to seize Deputy Adams' service weapon and shot him in the arm. The sound of the gunshot caused bystanders to flee, but Adams continued to struggle with the suspect. The suspect then fired two more shots, hitting Adams in the chest and face. Deputy Adams was taken to his home, where he was pronounced dead.
The suspect was arrested the following day and confessed to the murder of Deputy Adams. Despite the confession, there are no records detailing the subsequent legal proceedings or the final outcome for the suspect. Deputy Adams' death was a significant loss to the community, and he was memorialized in 1994 along with three other officers in Key West, thanks to the efforts of a local historian. Adams left behind a wife and six children, and he is buried in Key West Cemetery.
