Alexander Halliday
Alexander Halliday was shot and killed in front of the Cairo county jail in Illinois in February 1910, when a mob gathered to storm the jail and lynch two Black men held there. Sheriff Fred G. Nellis ordered deputies to fire a volley when the crowd refused to disperse, according to the sheriff and the Detroit Times. The Detroit Times reports that the sheriff and his deputies were inside the jail when the mob arrived. Militia later removed Halliday's body to St. Mary's Infirmary, where he was pronounced dead.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff. Sheriff Fred G. Nellis said he ordered deputies to fire a volley at the crowd outside the jail, and the Detroit Times reported the same account.
Reported by: Sheriff Fred G. Nellis (the agency that held him); Detroit Times (reporters).