Our Rich History

1970 Courthouse Shooting

Gary W. Thomas served as a prosecutor for the Marin County District Attorney’s Office from 1962 to 1972. On August 7, 1970, Assistant District Attorney Thomas was tragically wounded and paralyzed as a result of a gunshot he suffered during an escape/kidnap attempt by persons attempting to free San Quentin inmates during a jury trial he was prosecuting. Before being shot himself, Gary Thomas grabbed one of the abductor’s guns and wounded or killed 3 of the kidnappers. His action was credited with saving the lives of 3 women jurors. He subsequently was a principal witness, testifying from his wheelchair, at the murder-kidnap-conspiracy trial of Angela Davis in connection with the Marin Courthouse shootout.

Gary Thomas Courtroom Color Sketch 1

Gary Thomas Courtroom Color Sketch 2

Gary Thomas Sketch with Text

Thomas Gun Point

Judge Gary Thomas IJ Article

Judge Gary Thomas Obituary