On October 9, 1902, Marshal Guy Tucker argued with Walter and Tom Parnell at the east gate of the courthouse fence in El Dorado's Courthouse Square, drew a pistol, and covered them. Jim Parnell approached the fence, and Tucker warned him not to get behind him. Harrison Dearing left the porch of his business and came to the quarrel, passing Jim Parnell and reaching the gate area. At Dearing's urging the group began to disperse, but more heated words followed and Tucker and Jim Parnell fired shots. Shooting then spread among all five men, and Tucker and Tom Parnell were wounded. Clarence Tucker, R.A. Hilton, Mat Parnell, and Frank Newton then approached and entered the fray from various points in and around the courthouse square. Dearing and Walter Parnell grappled, shot each other, and both fell dead. Mat Parnell scuffled with Clarence Tucker and Hilton, Tucker stabbed Mat Parnell, and Hilton was struck over the head with a pistol and ran off to look for a gun. A wounded Tom Parnell staggered away and fell dead across the street. Sheriff H. Norris then appeared and disarmed the remaining participants in the shootout.