City Marshal Charles C. Wilson
Oceanside Police Department
California
End of Watch: Thursday, July 4, 1889

Biographical Info
Age: 28
Tour of Duty: 10 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Thursday, July 4, 1889
Weapon Used: Handgun; .44 caliber
Suspect Info: Died in jail

Marshal Wilson was shot and killed patrolling the downtown area. Marshal Wilson and his brother, the deputy marshal, heard gun shots near a hotel and went to investigate. When the arrived at the scene they observed a man holding a kerosene lamp taken from a street light. Marshal Wilson grabbed the man's horse by the bridal. The suspect immediately shot Marshal Wilson in the head, killing him instantly. The suspect fled but was later apprehended by a group of citizens. The suspect was sentenced to death after two trials but died in prison only a few weeks before he was to be hanged.

Marshal Wilson had been with the agency for over ten years and was survived by his wife and brother.