Terence Fitts
Terence Fitts, a man, was held in the Sonoma County jail in Santa Rosa, California, and one account says he was born and raised in the town. Early on December 10, 1920, a masked mob of 50 to 100 men entered the jail and overpowered Sheriff John Boyes and his deputies. The sheriff had pleaded that the law be allowed to take its course, but he was forced at gunpoint to give up his revolver and keys, and the mob unlocked Fitts's cell. According to the Washington Times, Fitts and another prisoner screamed in terror, and the men were then hanged from trees in a cemetery outside the city. Officials said none of the mob members had been identified.
Cause of death, as reported: Taken from custody and lynched. A masked mob of 50 to 100 men overpowered the sheriff and deputies, took the keys, removed Terence Fitts from the Sonoma County jail and hanged him, as news reports said.
Reported by: Associated Press (reporters); Sheriff John Boyes (the agency that held him).
News reports (9)
- El Paso Herald, December 10, 1920, page 1
- Bisbee Daily Review, December 10, 1920, page 1
- Douglas Daily International, December 10, 1920, page 8
- Arizona Republican, December 10, 1920, page 1
- Douglas Daily International, December 10, 1920, page 1
- The Bridgeport Times And Evening Farmer, December 10, 1920, page 1
- The Washington Times, December 10, 1920, page 1
- The Nenana Daily News, December 11, 1920, page 1
- The Cordova Daily Times, December 11, 1920, page 1