In the late summer of 1904, a violent encounter in Forrest City, Arkansas, led to the tragic death of Chief Deputy Sheriff William Murphree. A 38-year-old male, Murphree had served with the St. Francis County Sheriff's Office for six years. The events leading to his death began when a local farmer reported to Murphree that a man had brandished a pistol at his farmhands, ordering them to leave.
Murphree and another deputy investigated the claim at the farm but were unable to find the
armed man. They returned to Forrest City, where their path fatefully crossed with a woman who had just been assaulted by the very same individual. The deputies soon located the suspect near the corner of Front Street and South Rosser Street. As they approached him, the man suddenly drew a handgun and opened fire, striking Murphree in the chest.
The sound of gunfire attracted the attention of City Marshal William Rainbolt, who rode his horse to the scene. Upon learning that the suspect had fled toward the Iron Mountain Railroad depot, Rainbolt pursued him. An exchange of gunfire ensued between the two, resulting in both men being wounded. Another deputy who had arrived at the scene then fatally shot the suspect as he lay on the ground. Chief Deputy Murphree was taken to a local drug store, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after midnight on Sunday, August 21, 1904. Marshal Rainbolt was taken to his home, where he also died from his wounds approximately two hours after being shot. The suspect in their deaths was killed at the scene and therefore was never arrested or stood trial.
