Sheriff William Bowen Arthur

William Bowen Arthur

Sheriff William Arthur was shot and killed with his own weapon during an escape attempt from the Dickens County Jail on U.S. Highway 82.

Two prisoners had asked him to fix some stopped-up plumbing, and as Sheriff Arthur walked past their cell, one of the inmates grabbed his gun and shot him in the neck.

The suspects escaped but were apprehended. The shooter was sentenced to death and executed on May 4th, 1936. The other suspect was sentenced to 99 years.

Sheriff Arthur had served two terms as sheriff and had been nominated for a third term. He was survived by his wife and five children.