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Charles Lott Hays
Incident
Precinct 4 Constable Charles L. Hays, along with Deputy Constable Sid Keasler, went to a farm house to arrest Mich Davis, who was wanted on a warrant they held. The officers were told by Walter Davis that Mich Davis was not there, but was working in a cotton field. The officers galloped their horses to the field to prevent Walter Davis from warning his brother. Mich Davis saw the officers coming and attempted to get his gun from a nearby building. The officers beat him to the gun and made the arrest. After the officers left the farm house Walter Davis took his shotgun and went to the road.
When the officers and their prisoner came by, Walter Davis raised his shotgun and said turn that man loose. At the same time Walter Davis fired a load of buckshot into Constable Hays' side. Deputy Keasler fired at Davis striking him in the side with a slight wound. Constable Hays was instantly killed, and fell off his horse.
Walter Davis was arrested and placed in the Marshall jail. Later that evening a mob forced their way into the jail and lynched him by hanging him to a tree on the west side of the city. Mich Davis and Nathan Hilton the Davis' stepfather were also arrested.
Constable Hays was survived by his wife Jamie and 2 children. He is buried in the Hallsville Cemetery, Hallsville, Harrison County, Texas.
When the officers and their prisoner came by, Walter Davis raised his shotgun and said turn that man loose. At the same time Walter Davis fired a load of buckshot into Constable Hays' side. Deputy Keasler fired at Davis striking him in the side with a slight wound. Constable Hays was instantly killed, and fell off his horse.
Survivors
Constable Hays was survived by his wife Jamie and 2 children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Constable Hays served with the Harrison County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Marshall community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Hays.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Charles is the only officer of Harrison County Constable's Office - Precinct 4 remembered here.
Charles is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Charles is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1903, 9 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1903, 103 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1903, 106 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 57th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charles was 24. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Charles had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Charles was 24. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 24. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 7.2% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Harrison County Constable's Office - Precinct 4. The weapon recorded was shotgun; 12 gauge, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun; 12 gauge, in 0.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun; 12 gauge, in 0.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun; 12 gauge, in 0.2% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 17-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Harrison County Constable's Office - Precinct 4 are honored on badge.nw.