On November 13, 1906, Benjamin Addison, a 35-year-old African-American shopkeeper, was tragically killed in Asheville, NC. His death was part of a violent rampage carried out by an escaped convict named Will Harris. Harris had a long criminal history, including previous escapes from custody and a murder of a police officer. He had come to Asheville looking for an old girlfriend and ended up going on a drunken shooting spree.
The incident began when Harris, armed with a rifle and
intoxicated, went to the apartment of Mollie Maxwell's sister, Pearl Maxwell. When Pearl's boyfriend, Toney Johnson, arrived home, he became fearful of Harris and sought help from the local police. Officers Captain John Page and Officer Charles Blackstock responded to the call but were caught off guard by Harris, who shot Officer Blackstock through the door, killing him instantly. Harris then continued his rampage through the business district, shooting randomly and killing three citizens, including Benjamin Addison.
The tragic events led to a gunfight between Harris and the police, ultimately resulting in Harris's death. The community was left in shock and mourning over the loss of innocent lives, including that of Benjamin Addison. The incident highlighted the dangers posed by escaped convicts and the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with such threats.
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