Lynching of George Witherell

On December 4, 1888, a vigilante mob in Cañon City, Colorado lynched convicted murderer George Witherell.

On their first night, Witherell murdered McCain while he slept, dragging the body into a mountain canyon and covering it with stones.

After McCain's remains were discovered,[2]"A vigilance committee was organized in Cañon City and the announcement was publicly made that Witherell would be lynched upon arrival".

Griffith feared Witherell would be lynched if he arrived in Cañon City, delaying his departure to abate the outrage.

As the mob stormed the cell, Witherell attempted to defend himself with a bed leg but was shot in the shoulder and disarmed.