Ellis County Sheriff's Office, Kansas
End of Watch: Tuesday, July 18, 1871
Age:
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 18, 1871
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Sheriff Lanahan was shot and killed after being setup following his recent election victory over the incumbent, the notorious Wild Bill Hickok. Several local outlaws staged a fight at a local saloon and when Sheriff Lanahan entered they shot him twice.
One of the suspects was shot and killed by Sheriff Lanahan. Sheriff Lanahan was buried in Boot Hill Cemetery, Hayes City, Kansas.