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IndexRobert O. Sumpter, Deputy U. S. Marshal
U.S. MARSHAL SLAIN; 5 HELD AT COALGATE
Bob Sumpter Killed As He Raids Liquor Still Near Lehigh
August 10, 1933—Coalgate—With five suspects in the slaying of Robert O. Sumpter, veteran United States deputy marshal, lodged in jail, officers of two counties joined Wednesday night in searching for the sixth man.
Names of the six were withheld.
Sumpter, a deputy United States marshal since Oklahoma became a state in 1907, was hot to death late Wednesday as he raided single-handed a whiskey still two miles northeast of Lehigh.
He was stationed at Ada and all available officers there rushed to join in the hunt for the accused men. The call for assistance precipitated an un-founded rumor of threatened mob violence.
Body Found In Brush
Sumpter’s body was found in the brush by Paul Mayer, Coalgate business man, who drove out with the deputy marshal but did not accompany him on the actual raid. He heard no shots, but when his companion did not return in an hour, went to look for him. Mayer found the body, with wounds in the head, back and side.
Four empty shotgun shells were found at the still, not far from Sumpter’s body. The still was in operation.
Sumpter, about 60 years old, has been a peace officer since statehood and has many friends in this section.
Served for Ten Years
He has served as deputy U. S. marshal for ten years and for two terms was sheriff in strongly Democratic Atoka County, although he was a life-long Republican.
His wife, Robert O. Soumpter, jr., instructor at Southeastern State Teachers college, Durant and a daughter, Cleo Sumpter, survives the slain officer. Funeral arrangements had not been made Wednesday night.