In the winter of 1905, Middlesboro Policeman John Burns was tragically killed in the line of duty. While on patrol, he encountered an ex-convict inside the Princess Theater. When Officer Burns confronted the man and threatened to arrest him for vagrancy, the situation escalated with deadly speed.
The suspect, whose name was not mentioned in the available records, suddenly produced a handgun and opened fire. Policeman Burns was struck and killed by the gunfire.
The assailant's shots also claimed the life of an innocent bystander who was in the theater at the time.
Following the shooting, the suspect fled the scene. A manhunt ensued, and he was apprehended four days later in Mingo Hollow, located four miles from the theater. The man was put on trial for the murder of Policeman Burns. However, on January 19, 1905, the suspect was acquitted of the charges, having claimed that he acted in self-defense.
