Laura Thornton married Simon Moynier on November 5, 1891, near Krebs, Choctaw Nation, Indian Territory. Subsequent reports indicated that 20-year old Laura was being abused by her father, John Thornton.
Six days later, John Thornton killed Laura. He attempted suicide after the killing.
Thornton was quickly arrested. In custody, he confessed.
At trial in Fort Smith, Thornton’s defense of alcohol-related insanity failed and he was convicted of murder on March 15, 1892.
John Thornton was hanged on June 28, 1892. At 65 years old, he was the oldest man executed at Fort Smith.
The Federal Death Penalty Project 