Train derailment and State v. Hoffman On January 11, 1887, at 11:30 p.m., David Hoffman and James Bell derailed a passenger train north of Dunbar. The engineer was killed, and two people were severely injured. The train was carrying $17,000 in silver. The two were arrested the next day. Hoffman was charged with first degree murder and sent to the gallows, while Bell was sentenced to ten years of hard labor in exchange for his testimony. On Friday, July 22, 1887, at 10:32, David Hoffman became the first person legally executed in Otoe County.
Train derailment and State v. Hoffman On January 11, 1887, at 11:30 p.m., David Hoffman and James Bell derailed a passenger train north of Dunbar. The engineer was killed, and two people were severely injured. The train was carrying $17,000 in silver The two were arrested the next day. Hoffman was charged with first degree murder and sent to the gallows, while Bell was sentenced to ten years of hard labor in exchange for his testimony. On Friday, July 22, 1887, at 10:32, David Hoffman became the f.irst person legally executed in Otoe County.