In the spring of 1902, the life of Natchitoches Parish Sheriff John Benson Thomas II was cut tragically short in the line of duty. At the age of 45, the male lawman was killed by gunfire on Friday, April 11, 1902. The incident unfolded in Victoria, a community within the parish he served.
Sheriff Thomas was in the process of apprehending a man who was wanted in connection with another shooting.
As he was placing the suspect under arrest, the man brandished a pistol and fired at the sheriff. The gunshot wound proved to be fatal for Sheriff Thomas.
Following the shooting of the sheriff, the suspect did not remain at large for long. An angered group of citizens quickly formed a mob and captured the man responsible for Sheriff Thomas's death. The mob then took matters into their own hands, fatally shooting the suspect.
