The border ruffians surrounded the home of Dr. J. F. Griswold located on the corner of Indiana and Winthrop (Seventh) Streets. Dr. Griswold and his wife had just returned to Lawrence the night before from a trip east. S.M. Thorp, state senator, J.C. Trask, editor of the Kansas State Journal, and H. W. Baker of the grocery firm of Ridenour and Baker and their wives were residing at the Griswold home.

When ordered out of the house the men refused. They were told that if they came out they would not be harmed. All four men decided to follow the ruffian's orders. When all four were outside they were shot down. The wives were not allowed to go to the aid of their husbands. A guard was posted and the remaining ruffians went elsewhere.

Thirty minutes later they returned, rolled the bodies over and shot them again. Griswold and Trask were already dead. Thorp died later. Although Baker had been shot through the neck, arm and lungs he recovered from his wounds.