FBI Probes Alleged Fatal Beating

Item

Title
FBI Probes Alleged Fatal Beating
Source Type
Newspapers
Publisher
The Kokomo Morning Times
Publication Place
Kokomo, IN
Publication Date
11/23/1966
Transcript
WETUMPKA, Ala. (UPI) -, The FBI entered the case, Tuesday of a 23-year-old Negro, who died in jail after allegedly, being beaten by police., The victim, James Earl, Motley, reportedly was "covered with blood'` when his body, was taken from the Elmore, County Jail Sunday., Sheriff Lester Holley, who, was out of town at the time of, Motley's arrest, said he did not, know whether Motley died of a, beating, but added: "He wasn't, beaten in jail.", "When I have a report,, everyone will know It," Holley, said., William Varner, Motley's, stepfather who raised him from, the age of four, said flatly:, "My son was beaten to death.", Varner charged an autopsy, already had been performed on, Motley when he arrived at the, Rose-Geeter Funeral Home, Sunday. "They had his body, wide open when I got there,", Varner said., He said be filed a complaint with the FBI in Mobile, and with Justice Department officials. Motley died following his arrest on charges of drunkenness, resisting arrest and interfering with an officer making an arrest.
Sources for
James Earl Motley