Meredith A. Thomas
Extra Policeman Meredith A. Thomas was shot and killed as he confronted one of two men who he caught stealing hams from a warehouse. Policeman Thomas had been detailed by the police chief to watch the warehouse following a rash of thefts from the area.[1]
When he confronted the man a struggled ensued, during which the second suspect struck him in the head with a brick from behind. The second suspect then took Policeman Thomas' revolver and shot him in the abdomen.
Both men were apprehended a short time later and charged with his murder. Robert Jones and Hamilton Cosby were saved from mob violence by Judge A. D. Dabney, of the Charlottesville Corporate Court, and were brought to Richmond for safety. Judge Dabney dispersed a huge mob which had gathered by declaring court open in front of the Charlottesville jail, and threatening all present with prison terms for contempt if they did not at once retire.[2]
The men were both convicted, sentenced to death, and subsequently executed in the electric chair in the early morning of June 20, 1917 at the State penitentiary, in Richmond.[3]
Policeman Meredith had served with the Charlottesville Police Department for approximately one year. He was survived by his wife and three children.
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