Resumption of Death Probe Set

Title

Source Type

Newspapers

Publisher

The Index-Journal

Publication Place

Greenwood, SC

Publication Date

11/24/1966

Transcript

Resumption Of Death Probe Set WETUMPKA, Ala. (AP) Sheriff Lester Holley says some statements remain to be taken a in a coroner's investigation of the death of a Wetumpka Negro in Elmore County Jail. a 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 a 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 he takes statements. Jones also said the coroner's investigation could not be public. The FBI, state investigators, and the sheriff's office also are conducting 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."

Sources for

See all items with this value James Earl Motley