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This shoot-out also goes by the name of “The El Paso Gunfight,” but its most memorable moniker is the self-explanatory “Four Dead in Five Seconds Gunfight.” It featured Dallas Stoudenmire, a notorious marshal known for his ability (and willingness) to gun down opponents. In his brief career as marshal, Stoudenmire killed 10 people, more than many other iconic Old West figures.

On April 14, 1881, a Mexican posse was tracking down two missing vaqueros (Mexican cowboys) who were pursuing cattle rustlers. This led them to El Paso, specifically to the farm of one Johnny Hale. A trial ensued, where two of Hale’s accomplices were convicted for the murders of the vaqueros. During the trial, constable Gus Krempkau acted as interpreter because he knew Spanish.

A few hours later, Krempkau was approached by Hale and his friend, former marshal George Campbell. Hale was furious that Krempkau had sided with the Mexicans. In a fit of rage, he pulled out Campbell’s gun and shot Krempkau.

Stoudenmire, across the street, heard the shot and barged into the room guns blazing. He first shot an innocent bystander. Then he shot Hale between the eyes. Krempkau, barely alive, pulled out his own gun and shot Campbell in the hand. Then Stoudenmire also shot Campbell in the stomach, and both he and Krempkau died within minutes. So, technically, four people didn’t die in five seconds, but the name stuck nevertheless. -- http://listverse.com/

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