Despite a history of questionable behavior and criminal allegations, Sheppard Busby served briefly as a United States Marshal in 1890 and 1891. On August 9, 1891, just months after leaving the service, Busby shot and killed U.S. Marshal Barney Connelly when Connelly attempted to serve him papers alleging adultery.
Busby, who was 58 years old, was a Civil War veteran of the Union Army. He was living with three much younger women at the time of the killing.
At trial in Fort Smith, Busby was convicted of murder on December 11, 1891, and sentenced to death on January 21, 1892.
Sheppard Busby was hanged in Fort Smith on April 27, 1892.
The Federal Death Penalty Project 