End of Watch: November 15, 1926
Marshal Charlie Wright was appointed to office after Hiram Gregory was shot and killed six months prior. (See Hometown Heroes: Marshal Hiram Gregory)
According to historical records and news articles, on November 15, 1926, Marshal Charlie Wright was shot while attempting to arrest Ike Guffey, a known bootlegger and criminal in Burnside, Kentucky.
At the time of the shooting, Marshal Wright was on patrol when he encountered Guffey, who was wanted for a previous offense. Wright attempted to arrest Guffey, but Guffey pulled out a gun and shot Wright in the chest. Wright was rushed to a hospital in Somerset, Kentucky, but he died from his injuries the following day.
After the shooting, a manhunt was launched to capture Guffey, who was eventually arrested and charged with murder. During his trial, Guffey claimed that he had acted in self-defense because Wright had been abusive and had tried to shoot him first. However, this claim was disputed by eyewitnesses, and Guffey was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.
The shooting of Marshal Charlie Wright was a tragic event that shook Burnside. Wright was reportedly well-liked by the community, and his death was seen as a great loss. The incident also highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty, and it served as a reminder of the importance of public safety and the rule of law.
The suspect was arrested, convicted of Marshal Wright's murder, and sentenced to life in prison. He was pardoned by Acting Governor A. B. Chandler March 4, 1933.
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