Deputy U.S. Marshal Vernon Coke Wilson

Vernon Coke Wilson

Deputy Marshal Vernon Wilson and Deputy Marshal Andrew W. McGennis were shot and killed in Fresno County, California, while they attempted to arrest two suspects wanted for the murder of Tulare County, California, Deputy Oscar Beaver one month earlier.

The suspects were Chris Evans and John Sontag, notorious California train robbers. A little less than a year later, Sontag was killed and Evans was apprehended after a gun battle with a posse. Evans lost an eye and his right hand in the fight.

Chris Evans was sentenced to life in Folsom Prison. He was paroled in 1912.

Deputy Marshal Wilson is buried at Court Street Cemetery in Tuscon, Arizona.