City Marshal Charles C. Wilson

Charles C. Wilson

City Marshal Charles Wilson was shot and killed while patrolling the downtown area.

Marshal Wilson and his brother, the deputy marshal, heard gun shots near a hotel and went to investigate. When the arrived at the scene they observed a man holding a kerosene lamp taken from a street light. Marshal Wilson grabbed the man's horse by the bridal. The suspect immediately shot Marshal Wilson in the head, killing him instantly.

The suspect fled but was later apprehended by a group of citizens. The suspect was sentenced to death after two trials but died in prison only a few weeks before he was to be hanged.

Marshal Wilson had been with the Oceanside Police Department for over 10 years. He was survived by his wife and brother.