In the quiet expanse just west of Magnolia, Arkansas, a fatal confrontation unfolded, ending the life of Sheriff B.E. Greer. The male lawman was killed by gunfire while attempting to carry out an arrest.
The events leading to the sheriff's death began when he sought to apprehend a man wanted for the assault of his wife. In an effort to safely execute the warrant, Sheriff Greer enlisted the help of a citizen, whom he deputized to accompany him to the suspect's home.
Upon their arrival at the residence, located approximately four miles from Magnolia, they met with another deputy. As Sheriff Greer and the deputized citizen neared the open door of the house, the suspect opened fire from within, though the initial shots missed both men.
Undeterred, Sheriff Greer entered the home and exchanged gunfire with the assailant, who had taken cover beneath a bed. As the sheriff bent down to locate the hidden suspect, he was fatally shot. The man responsible for the sheriff's death fled the scene but was later captured by a posse at his sister's residence. Following his arrest, a mob of angered citizens intercepted the posse and lynched the suspect.
