Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff C.E. Pierce was shot and killed as he was guarding two murder suspects at the county jail in Basin.
A mob of about 50 men outside the jail opened fire into the building striking Deputy Pierce in the chest, killing him instantly. The mob then tore up telephone poles, battered down the doors, and shot and killed both suspects.
The suspected lynch mob leader was not tried for this case, but was sentenced to 25 years in prison for part in a triple killing in 1909. The suspect escaped from prison in 1913 and his fate is unknown.
The suspected lynch mob leader was not tried for this case, but was sentenced to 25 years in prison for part in a triple killing in 1909. The suspect escaped from prison in 1913 and his fate is unknown.
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- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Pierce served with the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Basin community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Pierce.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff C. E. Pierce is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In WY, 41 of 63 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 65.1% of this state's fallen. That is 10.9 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. C. E. Pierce's cause is highlighted.
How C. E. Pierce Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. C. E. Pierce is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. C. E. Pierce was killed by gun; unknown type.