William C. Getman served only a few days as Los Angeles County Sheriff when told a crazy man named Reed was inside a pawn shop, demanding the proprietor shoot him or be shot. Sheriff Getman understood police work. He had been a soldier, a city marshal, and a Ranger. He owned a popular saloon/gambling house, was a well-liked, honest and courageous man. Sheriff Getman attempted to intervene in the pawnshop disturbance, placing a gentle hand on the shoulder of Reed and speaking quietly. Reed spun around and shot Getman, then emptied his gun at random. Several men, including Deputy Francis Baker, returned fire killing Reed. Four guns and a knife were recovered from his body. The City of Los Angeles was draped in black and the whole town attended Sheriff Getman’s funeral, two days later.