A botched attempt to lynch Dick Robinson on October 2 resulted in the murder of Officer Roy Hole. The leaders of the mob, determined to prevent further "innocent bloodshed," intercepted a train transporting the accused prisoners to a large contingent of armed guards in Mobile. Forcibly separating the accused men from a sheriff and his deputy, the mob got off the train at Pritchard Station. Anticipating an attack by local blacks, large oaks close to the station were hastily chosen to hang Robinson and Thompson. Different legal charges were filed against the two victims, but the mob accused both of assaulting white women.

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