Houston Joyce was traveling through Indian Territory after leaving his home in Franklin, Texas. When he stopped to eat at the Choctaw Nation home of Jim Goin, his hosts became aware that he was traveling with money. After giving him directions, Jimmon Burris and Sam Goin followed Joyce, robbed him, and killed him.
After Sam Goin told an associate of his crime, that man told authorities. Once Joyce’s body was found, Burris and Goin were arrested.
Taken to Fort Smith to stand trial in October 1889, Burris and Goin were convicted of murder. They were sentenced to death on November 1.
Prior to their executions, Burris and Goin confessed to two other murders.
Jimmon Burris and Sam Goin, both Choctaws, were hanged at Fort Smith on January 16, 1890.
The Federal Death Penalty Project 