James J. Bobbitt, a 39-year-old male of Caucasian ethnicity, was the elected Constable for Precinct 7 in Houston County, Texas. On April 30, 1910, Constable Bobbitt was fatally shot by John Pugh, a local resident. The incident occurred after Constable Bobbitt had detected Pugh and others gambling and reported them. Pugh refused to submit to arrest and had previously threatened Bobbitt's life.
When Constable Bobbitt and his brother attempted to leave a general store, Pugh went behind the counter and shot Bobbitt with a shotgun.
Following the shooting, John Pugh was arrested and convicted of murder. He was sentenced to five years in the state penitentiary. Constable Bobbitt was survived by his wife and five children, and he is buried in the Weches Cemetery in Houston County.
The case drew significant attention due to the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the subsequent legal proceedings. Constable Bobbitt's death was a tragic event that highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the early 20th century.
