Ep 4. Sheriff Baker & The Everglades Blood Feud

Sheriff Baker & The Everglades Blood Feud begins with the introduction of Sheriff J.C. Baker, who was the first African-American Sheriff in Florida. The episode takes us back to 1912 when Sheriff Baker was the lawman in Collier County, home to the Everglades. The area was known for being wild and lawless, with bootleggers and smugglers operating with impunity.

The episode then delves into the story of the infamous Ashley gang, a group of outlaws who terrorized the region with their robberies and murders. The gang consisted of five brothers: John, Hanford, Willie, Boyd, and Clarence Ashley. They were known to be ruthless and violent, and it was believed that they had killed many people in their criminal careers.

The episode recounts how Sheriff Baker caught wind of the Ashley gang's illicit activities and dedicated himself to apprehending them. He formed a posse of local lawmen and tracked the gang to the Everglades, where they were believed to be hiding.

The posse soon found themselves in the midst of a bloody shootout with the Ashley gang, and the episode chronicles the harrowing events that took place during the confrontation. Sheriff Baker and his lawmen were able to hold their own against the outlaws, but the Ashley gang was a formidable opponent.

The episode also touches on the Ashley gang's background and how they came to be criminals. They were raised in poverty and their father was an abusive alcoholic. The brothers turned to crime as a way to survive, and it eventually became their way of life.

Throughout the episode, we see how Sheriff Baker's determination and bravery were instrumental in the fight against the Ashley gang. Despite facing significant challenges, he never gave up on his pursuit of justice. The episode also highlights how Sheriff Baker's legacy lived on long after his tenure as Sheriff.

Overall, Sheriff Baker & The Everglades Blood Feud is a gripping tale of lawlessness, justice, and perseverance. It showcases the bravery of one of the first African-American lawmen in the country and his fight against some of the most dangerous criminals of his time. The episode sheds light on an often-overlooked part of American history and is a must-watch for fans of true crime shows.