Assistant Marshal Joe Dale Hartman

Joe Dale Hartman

Assistant Marshal Joe Hartman and Marshal William James were shot and killed by a suspect who had been arrested for being drunk in public. While at city hall the suspect struck Marshal James in the head and escaped. He went home, obtained a 12 gauge shotgun, and returned to the city hall where he shot and killed both officers.

The suspect was convicted of the murders and sentenced to life in prison. He was denied parole in 1974 but recommended for parole a year later.