Investigator Wilford Winn Thomasson, age 36, was shot and killed on February 14, 1937, near Austin, Texas. Thomasson, a federal agent with the United States Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service - Alcohol Tax Unit, was involved in a raid along the Colorado River. Thomasson and other agents had seized a 60-gallon whiskey still and arrested two suspects.
During the search for additional violators, Thomasson encountered Pete Martinez, a Mexican citizen, and another suspect hiding in a building. Thomasson called out for them to surrender, but Martinez began shooting at him. During the exchange of gunfire, Martinez was killed, and Thomasson was seriously wounded. He was taken to a local hospital but died several hours later.
Following Thomasson's death, three additional suspects were charged in connection with his murder. One of the suspects, Ike Young, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. Thomasson was survived by his wife, May Larue, and their 5-year-old daughter. He was buried in Memorial Park Cemetery in Austin, Texas.
The case highlighted the dangers faced by federal agents in the line of duty, and under a new law, the death of federal agents became a federal offense. This led to the prosecution of those involved in Thomasson's death. Despite an appeal, Ike Young was re-sentenced to life in prison.
Thomasson's dedication to his work and the tragic circumstances of his death underscore the risks taken by law enforcement officers in the pursuit of justice.
