In the small mining town of Ray, Arizona, Deputy Sheriff Jack Hickox, a White male, met an untimely and violent end. On a hot day, while on duty, the 35-year-old lawman entered a local restaurant. His meal was interrupted when a cook pointed out a suspicious man across the street. Hickox, a veteran of law enforcement with 12 years of service, including time with the U.S.
Border Patrol and the Southern Pacific Railroad Police, went to investigate.
The man he confronted was one of five convicts who had recently escaped from the state prison. As Hickox attempted to apprehend the fugitive, the man drew a handgun and fired, striking the deputy in the throat. The wound proved to be fatal, and Deputy Hickox died on the scene, his life cut short in a sudden act of violence.
In the aftermath, a determined manhunt was launched for all five escapees. Law enforcement officials eventually succeeded in capturing the entire group. The man responsible for Deputy Hickox's death was brought to justice. He was tried and convicted of first-degree murder for the cold-blooded killing of the deputy. On April 28, 1939, the convicted murderer was executed for his crime, bringing a close to the tragic case that had shaken the small Arizona community. Deputy Hickox was survived by his wife.
