Major de Spain is the deputy sheriff of Jefferson at the time when Wash Jones murders Sutpen. Following the discovery of Sutpen’s body, de Spain and some other men, including General Compson, assemble around the stable where Wash Jones has barricaded himself, his granddaughter Milly, and Milly’s newborn. Wash Jones kills Milly, the baby, and himself. Though the other men claim they can hear Wash’s scythe slash Milly and the baby’s throats, de Spain claims not to have heard.