8. The Hatfields attempted to end the feud by killing Randolph McCoy and his immediate family
By the end of 1887, Randolph McCoy had lost three sons and a brother to the senseless violence between the two families. He attempted through political contacts to extract some justice from the entire situation by having several of the Hatfield clan arrested by the authorities, but the latter managed to avoid arrest and extradition through their own connections in West Virginia. When Devil Anse learned of the presence of bounty hunters seeking rewards for the arrest of Hatfields, he decided to take steps to remove the McCoy influence. The plan was urged by Jim Vance, and Anse’s son Cap Hatfield, both of whom had been present at the murder of the three McCoy brothers.
Whether Devil Anse approved of the plan or not remains a point of contention among historians, but the decision was made to attack Randoph McCoy in his home, killing him and his family. Evidence indicates Anse did not take an active part in the attack, which was led by Jim Vance and Cap Hatfield. The attacking party opened fire too soon on New Year’s Day of 1888, allowing Randolph McCoy to escape into the woods and flee for his life. McCoy’s daughter Alifair was killed in the gunfire, as was yet another son, Calvin. At least one of the Hatfields severely battered McCoy’s wife Sarah, leaving her severely injured with a fractured skull. Most accounts assign responsibility for the beating to Jim Vance.