Deputy U.S. Marshal M. W. Joe Nix

M. W. Joe Nix

Deputy Marshal Nix was shot and killed when a citizen mistook him for a criminal near Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Deputy Marshal Nix had gone in search of a man he suspected of having whiskey. With his gun drawn, he rode upon a home with several men sitting on the porch. One of the men, thinking Deputy Marshal Nix was a criminal, grabbed his shotgun and ran into a nearby field. When Deputy Marshal Nix pursued him the man opened fire, killing Deputy Marshal Nix.

The man turned himself into authorities at Fort Smith, Arkansas, several days later. No charges were filed against the man because it was determined Marshal Nix never identified himself as a marshal.