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Sheriff Griffin C. Middleton’s tour of duty ended on July 2, 1953 as a result of a gunshot wound. Sheriff Middleton along with several other law enforcement officers were trying to locate Demos Woods in the Canada community for assaulting Norvella McCall. Woods had eluded arrest by hiding out in the heavily wooded area in the Canada community. Several of Woods’ friends that were with him in the woods were arrested and gave information about Woods’ threatening statements about Sheriff Middleton. After receiving information about a more precise location of Woods’, Sheriff Middleton, along with Patrolman John Sides were walking a trail in the woods when Sheriff Middleton was gunned down by a shotgun blast that struck him in the chest and neck. Patrolman Sides only saw two figures run into the woods. A manhunt ensued with help from multiple law enforcement agencies. Woods’ was eventually captured and convicted of murdering Sheriff Middleton. It has been unclear about Woods’ incarceration. But folklore has that he served a lengthy sentence and was paroled then later died of cancer.
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