On the morning of June 16, 1901, Deputy Holden and Deputy Reardon went to a cabin near Horse Creek to apprehend a 21-year-old for check fraud. The suspect opened fire, and Deputy Reardon was struck in his right hand and right side of his body. Both deputies returned fire hitting the suspect in the leg. Deputy Holden was then shot in the neck, killing him instantly. The suspect fled the area on horseback and was apprehended on June 20, 1901, convicted for murder, and sentenced to life in prison.

On October 31, 1903, Sheriff Miller was shot and killed by Indians in a battle that has become known as the “Battle of Lightning Creek.” Sheriff Miller was attempting to arrest the party of Indians who were charged with slaughtering game and killing livestock belonging to ranchers in eastern Wyoming. The Indians were later arrested, but released because they could not be positively identified.

On January 2, 1902, Sheriff Ricker was shot and killed by Charles Francis Woodard. Woodard was a jail escapee. Weeks later Woodard was captured in Billings, Montana, and returned to Casper. A vigilance committee was waiting in Casper for Woodard’s return. Woodard was forcibly taken from the county jail and hanged.

Frank J Keefe has long been a terror to his friends because of his known disposition to deeds of violence when drinking. After several arrests, Keefe cherished a feeling of hatred for the officers who had arrested him. On April 20, 1903, Keefe went to the Keefe’s Commercial Company Store. He took down and loaded two rifles of the smokeless powder pattern. Two shots were fired in the store. Officer John Baxter and Lietenant King responded to the store. As they entered the store, Keefe fired two shots in rapid succession killing both officers.