Statements on Death of Negro
Item
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Title
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Statements on Death of Negro
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Source Type
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Newspapers
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Publisher
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The Sedalia Democrat
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Publication Place
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Sedalia, MO
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Publication Date
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11/24/1966
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Transcript
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Statements C A On Death N Cit Of Negro ch Off WETUMPKA, Ala. (AP) - by Sheriff Lester Holley says some pas statements remain to be taken in a coroner's investigation of tie the death of a Wetumpka Negro in Elmore County Jail. Holley said Wednesday night that a day-long session of statement taking by Coroner Joseph R. Benson Wednesday did not conclude the inquiry, and that it would resume after the holiday. Dist. Atty. Upshaw G. Jones has pledged a full investigation of the circumstances surrounding the Sunday death of James Earl Motley, 27. He added, however, "When I do, I won't disclose a thing until it comes out in open court." He said recent court decisions make such a course of action necessary. Benson turned newsmen away from his investigation Wednesday, saying that state law forbids them to be present while s he takes statements. Jones also said the coroner's s. investigation could not be public. The FBI, state investigators, en and the sheriff's office also are of conducting an investigation. All three agencies sent witnesses to the coroner's investigation Wednesday. Several young Negroes who were with Motley shortly before he died also were called in to make statements. Companions of the dead man told newsmen that he had been beaten by an officer when he refused to be arrested. Holley said he was still awaiting the outcome of an autopsy, which he has pledged to make available to news media "the minute we get it." Holley said Motley had been arrested Sunday on a charge of highway drunkenness and resisting arrest. He said without the state toxicologist's report no one knew whether Motley had "died a natural death or whether foul play was involved." A funeral home employe said earlier this week that Motley's body was covered with blood when he took it from the jail Sunday. He said the blood appeared to be several hours old.
