Town Marshal Andrew J. Wortham

Andrew J. Wortham

Town Marshal Andrew Wortham and Deputy Sheriff C.P. McDonald were shot and killed while investigating reports of a group of people shooting at cars along the Dixie Highway.

When they arrived at the scene they found the group along the river. As they approached the group one of the men told them not to come any closer. Ignoring the order, the officers continued to approach the group and were fired upon. Deputy McDonald and Marshal Wortham were both struck and instantly killed.

Several citizens took the group into custody after threatening to throw large rocks at them.

Two men and two women were charged with murder in connection with the shooting. The two men were convicted of first-degree murder. One was sentenced to life and the other to 21 years in prison.

Deputy Wortham was survived by his wife and five children.