Crime Solvers Central
CSC
263 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
Charles Smelser death by force case profile photo

Charles Smelser

Case from Hot-springs, NC dated Mar 28, 1900

Victim Details

Charles Hartsell Smelser

Male

Hot-springs

NC

1900-03-28

33

Charles

Smelser

07/17/2026

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Charles Hartsell Smelser, a 33-year-old police officer in Hot Springs, North Carolina, tragically died on March 28, 1900. Smelser was attempting to arrest three intoxicated men who had been causing chaos in the town by shooting at citizens. When Smelser confronted one of the men and tried to place him under arrest, another man intervened and held Smelser at bay with a shotgun. During the struggle, the first man seized Smelser's service revolver and shot him in the head.

The incident did ...
MEMBER ACCESS

Continue reading the complete case summary

Unlock the full case narrative for Charles Smelser, all available source links, additional videos, and member discussions.

Unlock Full Case Access — $3.97/month
Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in

Links to Additional Sources (1)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Policeman Charles Hartsell Smelser

    • Latest News

    View All

    Forum Posts (3)

    I’ve been thinking a lot about Charles Hartsell Smelser's dedication in the face of danger, and it... ...Read More
    11/14/2024
    I recently stumbled upon some old newspaper articles while researching the tragic death of Officer C... ...Read More
    06/01/2023
    Has anyone looked into how law enforcement officers were trained back in 1900? I can't help but wond... ...Read More
    03/09/2023
    MEMBER ACCESS

    Join the discussion for Charles Smelser

    Read full forum posts and contribute to this case discussion.

    Unlock forum access — $3.97/month
    Already a member? Log in

    Other Cases from Hot-springs, North-carolina

    Bobby Lee Coggins death by force case in Hot-springs, NC

    Bobby Lee Coggins

    Death: Sep 14, 1985
    Trooper Bobby Lee Coggins, aged 26, was shot and killed on September 14, 1985, near Hot Springs, Nor o ...Read More
    Joshua Timothy Henderson death by force case in Hot-springs, NC

    Joshua Timothy Henderson

    Death: Jan 17, 2015
    Joshua Timothy Henderson, a 17-year-old male from Hot Springs, North Carolina, tragically lost his l ...Read More