In the autumn of 1925, a violent confrontation in Texarkana, Arkansas, resulted in the death of 37-year-old White male, Chief Deputy Robert D. Smith. On October 30th, Deputy Smith, along with Miller County Sheriff Elisha Franklin "Lish" Barber, was involved in a gun duel. The exchange of fire proved fatal for both lawmen.
The man identified as their assailant was H. W. Adams, who had previously served as the chief of police.
In the course of the shootout, Adams himself was reportedly seriously wounded. The gun battle that claimed the lives of the two officers marked a tragic day for law enforcement in the Texarkana community.
