Marshal Baxter Stingley came to the booming railroad town of Salida determined to impose law and order—and made dangerous enemies doing it.

Fearless, relentless and sometimes ruthless, Stingley drove criminals from town while using his badge to protect friends, intimidate adversaries and settle scores. Then a close friend was lynched, and Stingley swore revenge, setting in motion a chain of events that ended with a shocking crime that outraged the nation.

MURDER! reconstructs Stingley’s remarkable life and violent death using rarely seen photographs, legal documents and contemporary newspaper accounts. The evidence points to a chilling conclusion: powerful rivals arranged the marshal’s murder, covered their tracks, and protected his killer from justice.