Marshal William Smiley, Providence Police Department, Kentucky

Marshal William Smiley

Providence Police Department, Kentucky

End of Watch Tuesday, February 4, 1896

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William Smiley

Marshal Smiley was shot and killed while attempting to arrest two men for being drunk in public. The men had been harassing Marshal Smiley for a previous arrest of one of their relatives. When the marshal informed them they would be arrested too one of the men produced a gun and shot Marshal Smiley, killing him. The two men fled the area after the shooting.

Both men, brothers, were apprehended. On December 16, 1896, after three trials, both were convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 6 years hard labor.

Marshal Smiley had been elected as marshal only two weeks earlier. He was survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

Age Not available
Tour 2 weeks
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to 6 years

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Marshal Smiley,
On today, the 125th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Providence.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 4, 2021