Officer Down Memorial Page - http://www.odmp.org

Deputy U.S. Marshal Joe Gaines | United States Department of Justice - United States Marshals Service, U.S. Government
United States Department of Justice - United States Marshals Service, U.S. Government

Deputy U.S. Marshal

Joe Gaines

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

End of Watch: Tuesday, August 22, 1893

Biographical Info

Age: 32
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 22, 1893
Weapon Used: Rifle; Winchester
Suspect Info: Acquitted

Deputy Marshal Gaines was shot and killed in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, after raiding a gambling hall. The officers received information that a man nearby was drunk and they went to arrest him. The suspect was released after promising to return for a hearing in the morning. However, he went home, continued drinking, and began firing a Winchester rifle in the air.

When Deputy Marshal was notified of the situation he went to arrest the man. When he encountered the man the two exchanged shots and Deputy Marshal Gaines was struck in the chest. The suspect was charged with murder but acquitted after four trials.

Deputy Marshal Gaines was survived by his wife of two weeks.