Arthur A. Wight, a 47-year-old Deputy Sheriff from Cochise County, Arizona, met a tragic end on February 10, 1904. Deputy Wight, who was of Caucasian ethnicity, was mortally wounded while performing his official duties. The incident occurred at the Black Diamond Mine, where he was attacked by several intoxicated miners whom he had arrested earlier in the evening. These miners, after being placed in a temporary holding facility, were freed by their friends who tipped over the makeshift jail.
The group then proceeded to Deputy Wight's residence, where they shot him as he opened the door, inflicting severe injuries to his leg. Despite being transported to the county hospital in Tombstone, Deputy Wight succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
The aftermath of Deputy Wight's death saw a swift response from law enforcement. A posse was formed, leading to the arrest of several suspects involved in the attack. The primary assailant, who fired the fatal shot, was sentenced to death and subsequently executed by hanging on August 19, 1904. This decisive action underscored the gravity of the crime and the community's commitment to justice.
Deputy Wight's death was not only a significant loss to his family, which included his wife, three children, and father, but also to the community he served. His sacrifice was remembered and honored by many, reflecting the high regard in which he was held. The incident highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the violent resistance they could encounter in the line of duty.
