John Buxton

On September 14, 1919, Rock Springs Deputy Game Warden John Buxton received a report of some shooting north of Rock Springs. He responded to the call, accompanied by his pregnant wife.

At the scene, Warden Buxton located two subjects who were identified as Joe Omeye and John Kolman. Warden Buxton advised Mr. Omeye that hunting season was over and took his rifle away from him. As John Buxton returned to his vehicle, suspect Omeye yelled at him. As Buxton turned to face him, Omeye shot the warden in the stomach with a handgun that he had concealed under his coat.

Warden Buxton staggered to his car, calling for his wife to bring him his gun. Omeye then shot at Mrs. Buxton, luckily missing her. She then went for help. Upon returning, John was loaded into the car to be transported to the hospital. John Buxton died before reaching medical help.

Joe Omeye was later apprehended by Sweetwater County Sheriff John Stoddard and another deputy. He was convicted of 2nd degree murder and sentenced to not less than 20 nor more than 21 years in the state penitentiary on March 17, 1920. Omeye was paroled on December 22, 1924, but after a parole violation was returned to the penitentiary. He was released again on December 16, 1931.

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