Elmore DA Pledges Probe In Jail Death Of Prisoner
Item
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Title
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Elmore DA Pledges Probe In Jail Death Of Prisoner
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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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11/24/1966
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Transcript
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Elmore DA Pledges Probe In Jail Death Of Prisoner Dist. Atty. U. G. Jones pledged a thorough investigation Wednesday of the the circumstances surrounding the death of a Wetumpka Negro in the Elmore County Jail. However, Jones said that "When I do, I won't disclose a thing until it comes out in open court." Jones said recent court decisions had made such a course of action necessary. Meanwhile, Coroner Joseph R. Benson spent most of the day taking statements from persons with knowledge about the death of 17-year-old James Earl Motley. Jones said Benson's investigation could not be open to the public. Earlier in the day, Benson had turned away newsmen saying state law does not permit them to be present while he takes statements. The FBI, state police and county sheriff's office also are investigating. All these groups sent witnesses to the coroner's investigation. Several young Negroes, who were with Motley shortly before he died, also were called to make statements. Companions of Motley have told newsmen that he was beaten by a deputy sheriff whom he refused to accompany after being arrested.
