Deputy Sheriff Cyrus Oscar Thomas

Cyrus Oscar Thomas

Deputy Sheriff Cyrus Thomas was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a wanted suspect in Mount Vernon, Indiana

A few days earlier, eight males had robbed three females in their home in which four of the suspects were arrested. Deputy Thomas went to the home of one of the fathers of one of the remaining suspects. The suspect's father shot Deputy Thomas in the face and chest with a shotgun, killing him.

A city marshal was able to return fire, seriously wounding the father, who was then arrested.

Later that evening, a mob assembled, forced their way into the jail, and hanged the four original suspects at a lynching in the public square.

Deputy Thomas was survived by his expectant wife, three children, parents, and siblings.