A Fatal Fling

Young John Selman’s attempted elopement led to his father’s death.

John Selman, Jr.’s attempted elopement probably led to his father’s death. The younger Selman ran away with a 15-year-old girl, the daughter of an El Paso community leader. The mother of the girl had him jailed in Juarez on kidnapping charges. Old John Selman wanted George Scarborough (photo) to help him get his son released. On April 5, 1896, the two men met at a saloon to discuss things. They went outside into an alley and Old John grew angry and pulled his gun. Scarborough fatally shot him first.