Shootout at Wilson Ranch near Tombstone

Background. The conflict began in 1898 when the Halderman brothers feuded with Teddy Moore over young women. Court findings noted Moore threatened to kill William Halderman in November 1898. On April 6, 1899, Justice William Monmonier received a report from rancher Buck Smith accusing the brothers of stealing and killing cattle, prompting Constable Ainsworth to seek assistance in apprehending them.

The Shootout. Constable Ainsworth and Teddy Moore arrived at Wilson Ranch on the morning of April 7, 1899, and Ainsworth read his warrant of arrest to the Haldermans. According to the defendants' account, Moore fired first and William returned fire, accidentally killing Ainsworth while aiming at Moore. A conflicting account held that the Haldermans fired first. Moore was struck in the bowels and died hours later at the Moore Ranch.

Trial and Execution. The Haldermans were held in Pearce before being transferred to Tombstone for trial. They were convicted of first-degree murder on June 11, 1900. President McKinley granted a stay of execution until October 5, 1900, to allow evidence gathering. When the evidence failed to materialize, Governor Murphy extended the stay, setting the execution date for November 16, 1900.