Gustav "Gus" Krempkau, a 25-year-old El Paso County constable, met a tragic end on April 14, 1881, in El Paso, Texas. His death occurred during the infamous "Four Dead in Five Seconds Gunfight," a violent confrontation that took place in the heart of the city. Krempkau, who was of German descent, had been involved in an investigation that led to heightened tensions between local residents and a group of Mexican cowboys.
The events leading to Krempkau's death began when 75 armed Mexican
cowboys rode into El Paso in search of two missing young Mexican cowboys and 30 stolen cattle. The bodies of the missing cowboys were discovered at the ranch of Johnny Hale, a known cattle rustler. Krempkau, who was fluent in Spanish, assisted in locating the bodies and bringing them back to town. An inquest was held, and Krempkau was asked to interpret for the judge. The court proceedings and the presence of armed Mexicans in the city created animosity among the local Anglo population.
After the inquest, Krempkau went to a nearby saloon to retrieve his rifle and pistol. It was there that he encountered John Hale, who was heavily intoxicated and upset with Krempkau's involvement in the investigation. Hale, who was unarmed, grabbed a pistol from former City Marshal George Campbell and shot Krempkau in the chest. Despite being mortally wounded, Krempkau managed to draw his own pistol and return fire.
The gunfight quickly escalated as Dallas Stoudenmire, the newly appointed town marshal, rushed to the scene. Stoudenmire, a known gunman, fired at Hale but accidentally killed a bystander. Both Krempkau and Stoudenmire then shot at Hale, with one bullet striking Hale in the head and killing him. Campbell, who had drawn his own gun, was also shot by Krempkau and Stoudenmire. Campbell succumbed to his injuries the following day.
The "Four Dead in Five Seconds Gunfight" resulted in the deaths of four men, including Krempkau, Hale, Campbell, and the bystander. The incident was widely publicized and became a notable event in the history of the Wild West. Krempkau's death highlighted the volatile nature of the time and the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the pursuit of justice.
