Tom Mclaury along with his brother were well liked in Tombstone. Not many would know about there rustling and those who did figured whats the harm if they are only stealing Mexican cattle. The Mclaury's were not percieved as "Bad Men" they were just on the wrong side of the law. (I'm sure the Mexicans thought otherwise)
Tom came into arrived in Tombstone with Ike Clanton on October 25th. Tom was there on business with the local butcher to recieve payment. He was aware of Ike's ranting and raving that evening and I assume he tried to distance himself from it. On the morning of the 26th he got the stuffin beaten out of him by Wyatt Earp for reasons only they will know. Wyatt Earp being aware of Ike's threats probally wanted to put the fear of God into Tom and run him out of town hoping to avoid real trouble. Tom would try to get his party out of town that day but he would be too late.
Tom would see his brother fall and Ike run away before he could get to his rifle.
