Deputy Sheriff Roy "Red" Freeman

Roy "Red" Freeman

Deputy Sheriff Roy Freeman was shot and killed at a lumber camp near Lovelace while investigating a disturbance between two workers.

He had responded to the camp with a deputized citizen after receiving reports that a worker had threatened another with a gun. As they attempted to arrest the man he opened fire on them, killing Deputy Freeman and wounding the citizen. The citizen returned fire and wounded the subject as fled.

The man was arrested a short time later in Wilkes County. He was returned to Lincoln County Jail but forcibly removed by an angry mob and lynched.