The Daily Oklahoma State Capital

JIM DOSS IS DEAD

He Was Shot Some Days Ago By Gene Hayes, at El Reno.

Guthrie, Oklahoma, I.T. March 28, 1895 – Jim Doss, the Deputy United States marshal shot by Gene Hayes at El Reno a few days ago, died yesterday about 11 o'clock from the effects of his wounds. Hayes was in the city on his way over to El Reno to answer to an indictment charging him with intent to kill, when the news came, and the deputy sheriff at once handcuffed him to himself and took every precaution to prevent an escape. He was taken to El Reno on the afternoon train.
The indictment will now be changed to murder, but it is believed the prosecution will hardly make the charge stick. If Hayes is convicted of manslaughter it is all that those best posted expect. Doss had the reputation of being a "bad man from Bitter Creek," and boasted of being able to "draw" and get the drop on an opponent quicker than any other man in the southwest. He met his match in Hayes, who was just a little bit quicker. Only a few weeks ago he shot and almost but killed an inoffensive Mexican, and was feared as a man who would shoot on the slightest provocation, or without provocation at all if necessary. There is very little grieving over his death.
Hayes shot and killed a man in Texas, but escaped conviction on the self-defense plea. He is also under indictment for cattle stealing. He has considerable money as have his friends and will make a desperate fight for his life and liberty.

Article submitted by:
Sharon Crawford

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