Marshal Samuel Perry Burks, aged 45, was the City Marshal and Fire Chief of McKinney, Texas. On June 11, 1902, he responded to a prowler call and, along with a night watchman, arrested three individuals at the scene. Marshal Burks took one of the suspects, a woman, into custody. As he attempted to place her into his vehicle, she broke free and ran towards the home. The homeowner, believing Burks was one of the prowlers, opened fire with a shotgun, fatally wounding him.
Burks succumbed to his injuries the following day.
There were no arrests or suspects identified in connection with his death. The incident was deemed a tragic case of mistaken identity. Marshal Burks had served with the McKinney Police Department for 11 years and was survived by his wife and three children.
