In the autumn of 1939, Special Agent Elvis Wesley Myrick, a 44-year-old man, found himself in a fateful confrontation that would ultimately lead to his death. On November 13, while on a raid of an illegal still near Panola, Alabama, Agent Myrick and his fellow agents were spotted by the still hands, who promptly scattered in various directions. One of the fleeing men, Ralph Fielder, ran directly into the path of Myrick.
A struggle ensued as Myrick attempted to place Fielder under arrest.
During the scuffle, Myrick discharged his firearm twice, striking Fielder in each leg as Fielder reportedly tried to grab the agent's weapon. Despite his injuries, Fielder continued to fight, managing to knock Myrick unconscious before attempting to flee. He was apprehended by other agents at the scene.
Agent Myrick was rushed to a hospital in Montgomery, Alabama, for the injuries he sustained in the altercation. For five months, he fought for his life, but ultimately succumbed to his injuries on April 3, 1940. Following the incident, Ralph Fielder faced legal consequences for his role in the fatal encounter. He pleaded guilty to assault charges in federal court and was sentenced to five years of probation.
