Special Agent Cornelius E. "Neil" Cross

Cornelius E. "Neil" Cross

Special Agent Cornelius Cross was shot and killed when he confronted three men stealing from a box-car at the Cuming Street crossing in the Omaha, Nebraska, freight yards at 2:00 am.

When he encountered the men he told them stop and one of them immediately complied. Another jumped out of the box car and began to attack Special Agent Cross, who was able to fend him off. As Special Agent Cross chased the man around the box car the third suspect opened fire, striking him twice. He was able to return fire and wound one of the suspects.

Several suspects were apprehended. In their possession were items that had been taken in several previous train robberies and burglaries. Two men were convicted of Agent Cross' murder. One was sentenced to life. He died in prison on February 11, 1920. The other suspect was sentenced to one to 20 years.

Special Agent Cross had been with the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad Police Department for only three months. He was survived by his parents.