B. Edgar Hamrick, aged 36, was the Chief of Police for the Shelby Police Department in North Carolina. On August 27, 1904, he was shot and killed at the county jail. The incident occurred after Hamrick had arrested four men for being drunk in public. The men had been taken to the city lockup but were moved to the county jail due to their disruptive behavior. As Hamrick and other officers were placing them in a cell, one of the men continued to yell obscenities.
Hamrick re-entered the cell to address the situation, but another man suddenly produced a pistol and opened fire as he ran for the cell door. Hamrick, along with the county sheriff and a jailer, was struck by the shots. One of the other officers returned fire and wounded the prisoner, who was later apprehended and subsequently hanged on the court square.
The man responsible for Hamrick's death was identified as Out and Kandolph Davis, two African American men, and two white men who had arrived in Shelby on a freight train from Blacksburg. They were heavily intoxicated and had purchased whiskey at the Blacksburg dispensary before making the trip. The incident was described as one of the most brutal and wanton murders in the town's history. Hamrick was honored for his service and sacrifice, and his death was deeply mourned by the community.
Hamrick was survived by his wife, son, daughter, parents, and seven siblings. His death was a significant loss to the community, as he was known for his dedication to enforcing the law and maintaining order. His legacy as a brave and kind officer continues to be remembered and honored.
