Type of Officer: Deputy Sheriff
Jurisdiction: Shawnee County
County: Shawnee
Death Date: 11/28/1933
Added to Memorial: 1987
Circumstances of Death: Gunshot
Davidson, the county jailor, and a deputy sheriff, was on night duty when four men led by Cecil Thornbrugh, escaped from their cell. The men beat the jailor with homemade blackjacks, and in the struggle, Davidson and Thornbrugh fell down the stairs. The escapee managed to acquire Davidson’s revolver and shot him once. Davidson continued his pursuit, and Thornbrugh fired two more times, hitting Davidson. The deputy continued to struggle with his assailant. Davidson finally ended up on top of Thornbrugh and died in that position, pinning Thornbrugh to the floor and preventing his escape.
Panel: 11