Deputy U.S. Marshal Joseph S. Wilson

Deputy U.S. Marshal Joseph S. Wilson | 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 Joseph S. Wilson

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

End of Watch Wednesday, September 23, 1891

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Joseph S. Wilson

Deputy Marshal Joseph Wilson was shot and killed while serving an arrest on a man near Tahlequah, Indian Territory. During the arrest the two exchanges shots and Deputy Marshal Wilson was struck in the side.

The suspect and another man fled the scene but returned the following day and found Deputy Marshal Wilson still alive. They then beat him with a piece of firewood and an axe, killing him. The buried his body in a nearby ravine.

The two suspects turned themselves in several days later. One of the suspects was initially sentenced to death but later sentenced to only 5 years after appealing his sentence. The second suspect was acquitted.

Deputy Wilson is buried in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

Bio

  • Age Not available
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Assault
  • Location Oklahoma
  • Weapon Edged weapon; Axe
  • Offender Sentenced to 5 years

arrest attempt

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Most of society lives in a world that doesn’t recognize what gives them the comfort they live in. Because of you, and people like you, society can live that way.

You put the badge on to make the community a better place. You put the badge on for justice. You put the badge on to save life. You put the badge on for the principles it represents. The badges didn’t make you a hero, the badge was worn by a hero. To your family, and the generations that followed, thank you for your service. Be proud of this man.

The sorrow we share as a law enforcement family is enormous, but our love of your life is even greater.

Sergeant Christian Yanchula
Forensic Services
Indian River County Sheriff's Office

September 23, 2022

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