Deputy Sheriff James Sam Shelley

James Sam Shelley

Deputy James Shelley was killed trying to apprehend two car thieves. He was notified that a car had been stolen and the thieves were heading his way and parked his car on the only road available to them for escape. He was out of his car when they drove up and ordered them to stop. One of the men shot Sam right through the heart; it is believed he died immediately. A reward was offered by outraged citizens but the killers were not caught until eight years later.

Deputy Shelley was survived by his wife and two children, and his parents. He is buried at Fairlawn Cemetery in Stillwater, Oklahoma.