Bob Paul was Sheriff of Pima county. He was the victim of fraudulent election previously but finally became Sheriff. He was present at the Benson stage robbery where Bud Philpot was killed. He was a respected lawman. He disapproved with Behan's poor choice of posse members (Ike Clanton and famous outlaw John Ringo) Paul was also aware that Wyatt was acting outside of the law and needed to be stopped. Wyatt had killed Stilwell in Pima county and Paul wanted him to face those murder charges.