'Accidental Death,' Elmore Ruling Says
- Title
- 'Accidental Death,' Elmore Ruling Says
- Source Type
- Newspapers
- Publisher
- The Montgomery Advertiser
- Publication Place
- Montgomery, AL
- Publication Date
- 01/14/1967
- Transcript
- Elmore County Coroner Joseph R. Benson said Friday that he has found that a Montgomery Negro, whose body was found in the county jail Nov. 20, died accidentally. Benson said the death of 27-year-old James Earl Motley, a Montgomery construction worker, "In my opinion, it was an accidental death." The Coroner said the principal cause of death was "brain injury" as noted in a state toxicologist's autopsy report. The autopsy also showed that Motley suffered skull fractures and a "massive hemorrhage" on the right side of his brain. Benson, when asked if the injuries are consistent with a fall, replied "They sure are." He went on "He did fall in the call and at the back of the jail on the ground." Benson said one fall was from Motley's bunk onto the steel floor of the cell where he was found. The coroner said he based his ruling on the toxicologist's report and the testimony of witnesses to Motley's arrest and subsequent imprisonment. The death certificate was filed "two, three or four weeks ago," Benson said. A county grand jury is investigating Motley's death, but there have been no reports of its findings. Sheriff Lester Holley said Motley was arrested on charges of highway drunkenness and resisting arrest. The autopsy showed 0.14 per cent alcohol in his blood.
- Sources for
- See all items with this valueJames Earl Motley