This Day…

1896- Oklahoma- Bill Doolin was approaching his father-in-law’s farmhouse, where his wife and child were staying. Lawmen led by Heck Thomas, however, had learned of Doolin’s presence in the area and were waiting in ambush. Doolin appeared on foot, leading his horse, carrying a rifle, whistling as he walked in the bright moonlit night. Suddenly Thomas shouted from behind some bushes, calling to the outlaw to surrender. Doolin raised his rifle which was shot out of his hand by several shots fired by posse. Doolin then drew his six-gun and fired twice before a blast from a shotgun fired by Deputy Bill Dunn and rifle bullets fired by Thomas cut him to pieces. The outlaw’s body was later displayed, naked from the waist up, to show the many holes made by shotgun pellets.