Stop the Presses!

A newspaperman vs. a lawman—with predictable results.

Walter Durbin (right in photo) was sheriff of Frio County, Texas and a former Texas Ranger. One of his top supporters was newspaper editor A.W. Carpenter. Somewhere along the line, their relationship went bad and Carpenter began publishing articles critical of Durbin. On July 20, 1894, the journalist went one step too far. He went to Durbin’s office, pulled a gun and opened fire—every shot missed. Durbin, who already had three notches on his gun, returned fire. He hit Carpenter with three shots to the head and another three to the chest. Durbin was acquitted of murder.