Old West Vignette: Wyatt Earp murders Frank Stilwell

Published on September 1, 2018
Duration: 11:27

This historical vignette details the March 20, 1882, murder of Frank Stilwell by Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday at the Tucson Train Depot. Driven by vengeance for Morgan Earp's assassination, Wyatt Earp confronted Stilwell, firing a double-barrel shotgun point-blank into his chest. Historical accounts from diaries confirm Stilwell was heavily "shot-up," raising questions about vigilantism versus law enforcement.

Quick Summary

Wyatt Earp murdered Frank Stilwell on March 20, 1882, at the Tucson Train Depot. Driven by revenge for his brother Morgan's death, Earp used a double-barrel shotgun, firing point-blank. Historical diaries confirm Stilwell was heavily shot, sparking debate over vigilantism versus law enforcement.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Tucson Train Station & Historical Date
  2. 01:14Earp-Holliday Vendetta Background
  3. 03:27The Murder of Frank Stilwell
  4. 04:53Eyewitness Accounts & Diaries
  5. 07:26Tucson Cemetery History
  6. 09:52Wyatt Earp's Justification & Moral Ambiguity

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where did Wyatt Earp murder Frank Stilwell?

Wyatt Earp murdered Frank Stilwell on March 20, 1882, at the Tucson Train Depot in Tucson, Arizona. This act was part of the Earp-Holliday Vendetta, a series of retaliatory killings following the assassination of Morgan Earp.

What weapon did Wyatt Earp use to kill Frank Stilwell?

Wyatt Earp used a double-barrel shotgun to kill Frank Stilwell. He fired both barrels at point-blank range into Stilwell's chest during the confrontation on the train tracks.

What historical evidence supports the brutality of Frank Stilwell's death?

Diaries from George Whitwell Parsons and George Hand, friends of the Earps, describe Stilwell's body as heavily riddled with bullets and buckshot. George Hand reportedly called him the 'worst shot-up man' he had ever seen.

Was Wyatt Earp's killing of Frank Stilwell considered law enforcement or vigilantism?

The killing of Frank Stilwell is debated as either an act of law enforcement or vigilantism. Wyatt Earp himself justified it as justice for his brother Morgan's murder, while historical accounts highlight the extreme violence of the act.

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