Episode Details

Originally Aired: February 2, 1958

In Gunsmoke #304, "Kitty's Killing," a religious zealot named Jacob Leach arrives in Dodge City consumed with righteous fury. Believing himself to be an instrument of divine justice, Leach demands that Chester lock him in jail to prevent him from killing a man named Ollie Radford, whom he considers a sinner deserving of death. Marshal Matt Dillon agrees to keep Leach confined overnight, hoping the temporary imprisonment will give Radford time to leave town. The marshal soon learns that Radford was once married to Leach's sister, who died in childbirth, and Leach blames him for her death.

The situation grows more dangerous when Radford reveals he's brought his new wife to Dodge City so Doc Adams can attend her during her pregnancy. Matt works to keep the two men apart, telling Leach that Radford has already left town. However, when Radford's wife goes into premature labor and Chester rushes to find Doc, Leach overhears the news at the Long Branch Saloon. Now enraged by what he sees as the marshal's deception and protection of a sinner, Leach vows to kill both Radford and Matt Dillon himself.