Gunsmoke Season 6 Episode 8

The Worm

A buffalo hunter (Spadden) and his partner Ritchie come to Dodge City causing trouble. Spadden has the reputation for bullying other people and bullying his buffalo skinner, Ritchie. When Jim Cornet's friend is killed in a fight by Spadden, Spadden and Cornet have angry words. Later that evening, Matt and Chester discover Jim Cornet's body lying dead in an alley. They also discover Cornet lying drunk in the alley just a few feet away from Jim Cornet's body. Since Matt and Cornet had been arguing earlier, Matt thinks that Spadden might have murdered Cornet. Spadden is tried for murder, but the Judge is of the opinion that there is just not enough evidence to convict Spadden. Spadden is acquitted from the charge of murder. Matt thinks that there are some unusual circumstances in this case and launches an investigation. Matt discovers Ritchie's body in the stable. Spadden admits he beat Ritchie to death. As the investigation unfolds, Matt finally gets to the true facts of who killed Jim