Deputy U.S. Marshal William E. Plank

William E. Plank

Deputy Marshal Plank and Deputy Marshal Holmes Davidson were shot and killed in Tulsa, Oklahoma, while attempting to serve a search warrant on the former Tulsa police chief who had been convicted of violating prohibition laws. When the marshals arrived at the home the man's wife refused to let them in.

As the wife delayed the officers the suspect loaded a double-barrelled shotgun and opened fire through the screen door, fatally wounding Deputy Marshal Davidson. He then fired a second shot and killed Deputy Marshal Plank. The suspect reloaded and fired at the third marshal, who was retreating. The suspect then called the police and turned himself in.

The 44-year-old ex-chief was convicted in 1917 of two counts of manslaughter and sentenced to four years. He was released in 1921. On October 17, 1923, he was found dead in his Tulsa home from a stroke from what doctors said was caused by excessive drinking.