In the early morning hours of April 7, 1906, in the booming mining town of Manhattan, Nevada, the life of Nye County Sheriff Thomas Logan, a 44-year-old male, was cut tragically short. Logan, a respected three-term sheriff, was awakened by a commotion at the Jewel House, a local saloon and brothel. The proprietor, May Biggs, was having a dispute with a gambler named Walter A.
Barieau.
Unarmed and dressed only in his nightshirt, Sheriff Logan intervened, attempting to de-escalate the situation and escort Barieau from the premises. As they moved outside, Barieau, a man known for his hot temper, pulled out a handgun. Despite Logan's warning not to draw the weapon, Barieau fired multiple shots, striking the sheriff. Accounts vary, stating he was shot four or five times.
Though mortally wounded by a gunshot to his thigh that severed an artery, Logan managed to wrestle his assailant to the ground and subdue him until a deputy arrived. In a final act of duty, the dying sheriff reportedly prevented a bystander from shooting Barieau. Walter Barieau was arrested and charged with murder.
The trial of Walter Barieau took place in the summer of 1906. Despite witness testimony, Barieau's defense team, which included future U.S. Senator Patrick McCarran, successfully argued their case. After 17 hours of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty, and Walter Barieau was acquitted of all charges, walking free from the courtroom. The controversial verdict was a profound shock to the community that had held Sheriff Logan in high regard.
