Sheriff William Bowen Arthur, Dickens County Sheriff's Department, Texas

Sheriff William Bowen Arthur

Dickens County Sheriff's Department, Texas

End of Watch Saturday, October 27, 1934

Add to My Heroes

William Bowen Arthur

Sheriff William Arthur was shot and killed with his own weapon during an escape attempt from the Dickens County Jail on U.S. Highway 82.

Two prisoners had asked him to fix some stopped-up plumbing, and as Sheriff Arthur walked past their cell, one of the inmates grabbed his gun and shot him in the neck.

The suspects escaped but were apprehended. The shooter was sentenced to death and executed on May 4th, 1936. The other suspect was sentenced to 99 years.

Sheriff Arthur had served two terms as sheriff and had been nominated for a third term. He was survived by his wife and five children.

Bio

Age 48
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Executed in 1936

correctional Facility, escape, prisoner custody

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 7 Reflections

Sheriff Arthur,
On today, the 90th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Dickens County.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

October 27, 2024