Justice of the Peace John W. Saunders

John W. Saunders

Justice of the Peace John Saunders and Deputy Sheriff Joseph Welton were shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man involved in a string of burglaries in the Emporia area.

The two men and a citizen had tracked the group of suspects to a cabin near Skippers, Virginia.

As Justice Saunders and Deputy Welton entered the cabin one of the suspects immediately opened fire, killing Deputy Welton. Justice Saunders returned fire and turned to retreat but was shot in the back of the head and killed. The citizen who had accompanied them retreated and went to get help.

The shooter and another suspect were captured a short time later and taken to the county jail. The Virginia State Militia was sent to protect the prisoners for fear of lynching but was withdrawn by order of the governor. The county sheriff then turned the two prisoners over to the citizens and they were both lynched.

Justice Saunders was survived by his wife and several children.