The first murder in the county was committed by W. W. Hutson, who was confined in jail, but escaped. Louis Russell, William Goforth and Jack Musick served as coroner's jury in making the inquest.

The second murder was that of Thomas H. Clark, during his incumbency as county judge, 1848-50. His brother-in-law, Rudd, and a son of the latter were accused, and a change of venue was taken to Washington County. A nolle pros. was granted in the case of Rudd, Jr., and Rudd, Sr., was acquitted through lack of circumstantial evidence.

The third murder was that of Louis Williams by his father-in-law, James Shropshire. H. F. Thomasson was prosecuting attorney. W. D. Reagan and John Wilson appeared for Shropshire, who was convicted and sentenced to be hung, but escaped from jail a short time before the time set for execution.

There has been a number of murder trials, and several indictments now appear upon the records, but no judicial execution has yet occurred.