Chief of Police James H. Benton, aged 52, was shot and killed on February 22, 1908, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Benton was investigating a report from a woman who claimed a man was trying to kill her. As Benton stepped outside his home to address the situation, the suspect, who had been hiding in the stable behind Benton's home, ambushed him and shot him in the face before Benton could draw his pistol.
Benton's son managed to wound the suspect, who was later arrested, convicted of murder, and hanged.
The suspect, identified as Tom Murchison, was a man of color. Murchison was involved in a dispute with the woman when Benton intervened. After the shooting, there were two attempts to lynch Murchison, but both failed. The authorities eventually took Murchison into custody, and he was set to receive an early trial as the court convened in March.
James H. Benton was survived by his wife and eight children. His death was a significant loss to the Fayetteville Police Department and the community he served. Benton's heroism and dedication to his duty are remembered and honored to this day.
