Yuma 1971

Harmon arrives in Yuma as the new U.S. Marshal

Dave Harmon arrives in Yuma as the territory's new U.S. Marshal, tasked with enforcing law near the army post and pursuing criminals who wear army uniforms. His motivation is fueled by the murder of his son and the rape of his wife, driving him to operate outside the conventional system if needed. He begins posting himself near military installations to conduct his own investigation into frontier crime.

First day clash with the King brothers

On his first day, Harmon encounters two drunken King brothers who hijack a stagecoach outside town. He arrests one for theft and forces the other to draw his gun in the town saloon, where Harmon shoots him in self-defense. The encounter establishes Harmon's willingness to take decisive action when challenged.

Nighttime jail break orchestrated by Sanders begins

That night, Sanders, a corrupt freight-company agent, orchestrates a jail break to free the other King brother and pressure the third to act against Harmon. The plan shows the reach of local corruption and the lengths to which the conspirators will go.

Second King brother shot during the jail break

During the break-in, the second King brother is shot in the back with a gun from Harmon's own office. The murder is meant to eliminate a key witness and push the plan toward confrontation with Harmon's target. The act reveals the gun's origin and ties the crime to Harmon's authority.

Captain White and Sanders linked to the plot

Captain White, Major Lucas's subordinate, assists in the break-in and the broader crime. Sanders and the Captain are part of a scheme to defraud Indians of cattle they are owed under treaty. The conspiracy binds military figures and local power to exploit frontier resources.

Andres, the witness, sees the boot clue

Andres, the Mexican orphan Harmon has taken in, wakes during the break-in and glances at the fleeing gunmen. He can only identify the boots, notably U.S. Cavalry boots attributed to Captain White. The clue gives Harmon a concrete lead toward the army post.

Third King brother arrives demanding justice

The third King brother rides into town, demanding that Harmon locate the killer within a set time. He warns that if Harmon fails, vengeance will be taken by force. The arrival heightens the stakes of Harmon's investigation.

Lead takes Harmon to the army post

With the boot clue, Harmon travels to the nearby army post to press officers for information and scrutinize Captain White’s movements. The military setting expands the conflict and reveals possible collusion with the freight company. Harmon's pursuit broadens from civilian crime to uncovering a military conspiracy.

Uncovering a broader conspiracy against the Indians

Harmon uncovers a conspiracy to withhold cattle from the Indians, violating treaty obligations and threatening their survival. Sanders and Captain White appear to profit from keeping the cattle out of Indian hands while masking their fraud. The discovery ties the town’s crime to frontier politics and Native affairs.

Indians threaten revolt but ally with Harmon

The Indians threaten revolt as their food supply is jeopardized, but they eventually ally with Harmon, aiding his investigation against the corrupt cabal. Their involvement shows the fragile balance between settlers, the Army, and tribal communities. The alliance strengthens Harmon's efforts to secure justice.

Harmon stays focused on duty amid danger

Harmon remains steadfast in his duties, continuing to pursue the killer and expose the conspiracy despite danger and personal trauma. He navigates political pressure and physical threats while keeping his focus on due process. The timeline emphasizes his resolve to see justice done.