Sheriff Mack R. Carmichael

Mack R. Carmichael

Sheriff Carmichael was shot and killed during a riot while attempting to escort two prisoners from the courthouse back to jail.

Because of the number of protestors at the courthouse, Sheriff Carmichael attempted to take them through the back to avoid a confrontation. The crowd saw them in the back of the courthouse, near an alley in the rear of Independent Printing Co., and immediately rushed them. One of the rioters opened fire, killing Sheriff Carmichael.

Over the course of several days, more than 150 people were arrested. The shooter was convicted but had the conviction overturned by the Supreme Court.

Sheriff Carmichael had been with the agency for five and a half years. He was survived by his wife and son.