Jail Death Investigation Continues
Item
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Title
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Jail Death Investigation Continues
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Source Type
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Newspapers
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Publisher
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The Montgomery Advertiser
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Publication Place
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Montgomery, AL
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Publication Date
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11/26/1966
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Transcript
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Jail Death Investigation Continues WETUMPKA—The investigation of a Negro's death in the Elmore County Jail continued Friday as the state toxicologist indicated an official autopsy might not be available for several weeks. The toxicologist, C. J. Rehling of Auburn, said his office has not completed the autopsy report on James Earl Motley, 27, and he could not say when it might be ready. Such reports require from one to four or five weeks, Rehling said. He said his report would be turned over to District Attorney Upshaw G. Jones at Wetumpka. However, Jones said earlier that any information he obtains, "I won't disclose until it comes out in open court." Jones said recent court decisions require this procedure. Meanwhile, County Coroner Dr. Joseph R. Benson said he is continuing his own investigation. However, he said it might be several days before he completes his report because of the lack of the toxicologist's report. Benson said county and state officials are working together in investigating Motley's death, while the FBI is conducting its own probe. Earlier in the week, Benson spent a day taking statements from witnesses. He said he will turn the information over to Jones, but "I can't give you any publicity about the investigation." Motley was charged with highway drunkenness and resisting arrest, Sheriff Lester Holley said. He promised to make the autopsy report public as soon as he receives it. A Wetumpka funeral home employee said Motley's body was covered with blood when he took it from the jail Sunday.
