Night Marshal James E. Basham

James E. Basham

Night Watchman James Basham and City Marshal James Ryan were shot and killed, and another officer was wounded, while attempting to disarm a man at the Hotel Estes, located at South Holden Street and Grover Street, at 8:30 p.m.

Night Watchman Basham responded to reports of a man waving a gun at the hotel. He tried to persuade the man to give him his gun or put it away. When Marshal Ryan and another night watchman entered the room, the man became agitated. Marshal Ryan attempted to grab the weapon, and the man fired, striking Marshal Ryan in the stomach and neck. The other night watchman was shot in the thigh.

Night Watchman Basham was hit in his side with the bullet passing through his body. He succumbed to his wounds the next day.

The hotel porter grabbed a gun and returned fire. When a bullet struck the suspect, he ran upstairs and shot himself.

Night Watchman Basham had served with the Warrensburg Police Department for three years. He was survived by his wife and five children.