The Caddo Herald
December 4, 1925
W.D. Cain Dies of Shots by Lassiter
The quiet observance of Thanksgiving was marred by the shooting and subsequent death of W. D. Cain, who lives 5 miles east of Caddo.
L. F. Lassiter went to Durant and gave himself up, admitting that he did the shooting.
The shooting occurred about 4:30 in the afternoon at the Lassiter store, 4 miles east of Caddo. Mr. Cain was shot through the lower abdomen and was taken immediately to his home, where medical aid was summoned. At night he was taken to the Sherman Hospital in the hope of saving his life. He died the next morning about 11 o’clock having never become strong enough for an operation. The funeral was held in Caddo Cemetery at 2:30 o’clock Saturday afternoon, conducted by Elder G. P. Mills who lives west of town.
The shooting seems to have been one of those unfortunate events that might have been avoided. Mr. Lassiter claims, and he is substantiated by reliable testimony of eye witnesses, that Mr. Cain was coming into his store with an open knife in his hand, making threatening movements, and that he shot once in the floor to stop Cain. Failing in this, he shot through the abdomen.
Mr. Cain was 49 years of age, a well-to-do farmer, a man loved and respected by all who knew him. He leaves a wife and six children, two grown and married. He was a man whose word was good and who was a peaceable neighbor, according to neighbors who have known him a long time.
Mr. Lassiter is about 55 years of age, keeps a small store on his place, owns his farm, has a wife and son.
County Attorney Turnbull was here that night making investigation.
Mr. Lassiter was released from jail Saturday night on a bond of $5,000 which he made.
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