Inquest Slated In Negro&#039;s Death

Title

Inquest Slated In Negro's Death

Source Type

Newspapers

Publisher

The Daily Inter Lake

Publication Place

Kalispell, MT

Publication Date

11/25/1966

Transcript

WETUMPKA, Ala. (UPI) -In, a small town doctor's office, today an inquest was to resume, into the death in jail of James, Earl Motley, a 27-year-old, Negro known best to his friends, as "Bronco.", Officials have kept secret the, details surrounding Motley's, death. Motley's companions the, night he was arrested by, Elmore County (Wetumpka), officers in neighboring Montgomery County claim the young, Negro was fatally beaten by a, deputy sheriff, Harvey Conner. Dr. Joseph R, Benson, Elmore, coroner, began the inquest, Wednesday, heard testimony, from a number of witnesses,, and then recessed the case until, today for the Thanksgiving, holiday., He refused to discuss the, testimony, saying the evidence would be turned over to the county solicitor. However, there were no indications charges would be filed. William Varner, Motley's stepfather, has asked the U,S, Justice Department and the FBI to investigate the death. He said "my son was beaten to death." Coroner Benson has insisted that an autopsy report by the state toxicologist has not been completed. Varner said an autopsy was begun on his stepson before he could reach the Elmore jail and learn the young Negro was dead. He said he was hurrying jail early Sunday I morning after Motley's companions told him of the arrest Saturday night on charges of drunkenness, resisting and interfering with an arrest.

Sources for

See all items with this value James Earl Motley