Emmett Goodwin
Encyclopedia
Emmett Goodwin was the chief of police
of Chickasha, Oklahoma
killed while on duty the night of February 1, 1909, in front of People's Store on Chichasha Avenue by Chickasha night police chief Will Thomas.
Previously, Thomas had lost the election of police chief to Goodwin. Thomas accused Goodwin of "letting the town run wide open", to which Goodwin replied that Thomas had just as much authority to correct the situation as Goodwin did. Thomas opened fire, shooting Goodwin in the head 3 times. One of the bullets penetrated Goodwin's head, killing him. Officer Joe Earl, Goodwin's brother-in-law, was with Officer Goodwin, was wounded by 3 shots from Thomas's gun, and returned fire. Thomas was not wounded, and presented himself to the Chickasha police station. Several months later, Thomas was tried and acquitted by a jury.
Goodwin was survived by his wife Flora and seven children.
After the trial, Goodwin's wife moved away from Chickasha as she said she could not stand seeing her husband's murderer.
Chief of police
A Chief of Police is the title typically given to the top official in the chain of command of a police department, particularly in North America. Alternate titles for this position include Commissioner, Superintendent, and Chief constable...
of Chickasha, Oklahoma
Chickasha, Oklahoma
Chickasha is a city in and the county seat, business and employment center of Grady County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 15,850 at the 2000 census. Chickasha is home to the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and hosts an annual Festival of Light celebration located at...
killed while on duty the night of February 1, 1909, in front of People's Store on Chichasha Avenue by Chickasha night police chief Will Thomas.
Previously, Thomas had lost the election of police chief to Goodwin. Thomas accused Goodwin of "letting the town run wide open", to which Goodwin replied that Thomas had just as much authority to correct the situation as Goodwin did. Thomas opened fire, shooting Goodwin in the head 3 times. One of the bullets penetrated Goodwin's head, killing him. Officer Joe Earl, Goodwin's brother-in-law, was with Officer Goodwin, was wounded by 3 shots from Thomas's gun, and returned fire. Thomas was not wounded, and presented himself to the Chickasha police station. Several months later, Thomas was tried and acquitted by a jury.
Goodwin was survived by his wife Flora and seven children.
After the trial, Goodwin's wife moved away from Chickasha as she said she could not stand seeing her husband's murderer.