Deputy U.S. Marshal William Pitts

Deputy U.S. Marshal William Pitts

United States Department of Justice - United States Marshals Service, U.S. Government

End of Watch Monday, December 1, 1890

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William Pitts

Deputy Marshal William Pitts was shot and killed while investigating reports that three men were smuggling liquor into the Indian Territory from Texas.

Deputy Marshal Pitts set up surveillance at Lake West, about 35 miles north of Paris. When he saw a wagon being driven by three men traveling north, he stepped from the brush and stopped them. The three men identified themselves as Isam Frazier, Lige Woods, and Jim Allen. When Deputy Marshal Pitts said he suspected them of liquor smuggling, and started to search the wagon, a confrontation ensued.

One of the men ripped Deputy Marshal Pitts' pistol from its holster and shot him in the stomach. He died within minutes. Allen and Wood were acquitted but Frazier was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to a long prison term.

Deputy Marshal Pitts served in the Eastern District of Texas, which included the southern part of the Indian Territory (present day Oklahoma)

Bio

  • Age 44
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Location Oklahoma
  • Incident Date Sunday, November 30, 1890
  • Weapon Officer's handgun
  • Offender Convicted of manslaughter

Most Recent Reflection

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DUSM Pitts,
On today, the 130th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 1, 2020

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