In the spring of 1931, a dedicated Prohibition Agent by the name of Homer L. Everett was tragically killed near Collins, Mississippi. On May 2, 1931, the 46-year-old male officer was traveling from Gulfport to Jackson to attend a federal court hearing. His route unknowingly took him past the residence of two brothers, Guy and William Fairley, whom he had previously arrested for federal liquor violations.
Recognizing the agent, the Fairley brothers, who were awaiting trial, made the fateful decision to follow him. For approximately 65 miles, they tailed Agent Everett's vehicle. At one point, they even paused their pursuit as Everett stopped to investigate an unrelated car accident involving a vehicle transporting liquor. As they neared the town of Collins, their sinister plan was put into action. Guy Fairley armed himself with a 12-gauge shotgun and moved to the back seat of their car.
Under Guy's instruction, William Fairley maneuvered their automobile to overtake Agent Everett's car. As they pulled alongside, Guy Fairley discharged the shotgun twice, striking and instantly killing the unsuspecting agent. Following the ambush, the brothers took a roundabout route home, attempting to cover their tracks by discarding the remaining shotgun shells and disposing of the murder weapon in a creek.
Despite their efforts to evade capture, Prohibition Agents and local law enforcement officials apprehended Guy and William Fairley. The brothers were subsequently tried and convicted for the murder of Agent Homer Everett. For his role in the cold-blooded killing, Guy Fairley was sentenced to death. His brother, William, who drove the vehicle during the attack, received a sentence of life in prison.
