Louis Thornton
Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 February 1892, page 4
Arrested for the Killing of "Wild Bill"
A rather interesting sequel to the slaying of "Wild Bill"
Thornton in Newport came late Saturday night in the arrest of Colonel Wm F
Williamson. Six weeks ago Colonel Williamson shot and instantly killed Louis
Thornton, better known as "Wild Bill" on the crowded streets of Newport.
At the hearing which took place within the hour following the affair, Colonel Williamson was honorably acquitted and he returned to his home, where he spent the next few night unmolested. The evidence at the time all went to show that the deed was done in self defense. Last Saturday night the Grand Jury of Newport returned an indictment against Colonel Williamson of murder and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.
It was supposed that he was in Cincinnati at the home of his brother in law, Dr. George B Orr, at Third and Pike streets. Insinuations were also made to Sheriff Betz of Newport that Colonel Williamson would never be arrested. Armed with the court warrant, Sheriff Betz came across the river Saturday night and commenced a search for the gentleman.
He was found at Dr. Orr's home and went with the officers peacefully. No question of extradition papers complicated the work as the prisoner signifying his entire willingness to go with them. He was taken to his home in Newport where Deputy Sheriff Betz stood guard over him until after daylight when he was incarcerated in the Campbell County jail.