Negro&#039;s Death Starts Inquiry

Title

Negro's Death Starts Inquiry

Source Type

Newspapers

Publisher

Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Publication Place

Lubbock, TX

Publication Date

11/24/1966

Transcript

IN ALABAMA Negro's Death Starts Inquiry WETUMPKA, Ala. (UPI) - A preliminary injuiry was conducted behind locked doors Wednesday into the death of James Earl Motley 27-year- old Negro who allegedly was beaten to death by police. Five state troopers. three other white men. several Negroes and two FBI agents were present at the 8 a.m. injury. quietly called by Elmore County Coroner Dr. Joseph R. Benson. Benson conducted an autopsy on Motley's body and his findings, along with the results of the preliminary hearing. will be turned over to County Solicitor U. G. Jones for possible presentation to a grand jury. Arrested Saturday Motley. known to his friends as "Bronco" because of his habit of wearing Western garb. was arrested Saturday night art: charged with drunkenness. resisting arrest and interfering with an arrest. His body. reportedly covered with blood. was taken from the Elmore County Jail Sunday. Five of the six companions who were with Motley at the time of his arrest were at Wednesday's hearing. They sat in, A waiting room and one-by- one gave testimony. some taking as long as two hours. Represent Mary Later. several of them repeated for reporters story that Motley's stepfather. Wil- firm Varner. had related before - that Motley and his companions were stopped by Deputy Harvey Conner. got into - with the law officer, and that Conner-after radioing for old from the highway patrol severely beet Mettry while the troopers held him. Lester Holley. who is retiring next January after x years in office. has premised to make public a report OR the CARR. but - Money was been in jail. Sheriff Holley said be had not been any disciplinary action against Deputy Conner pending the of the hearing. "

Sources for

See all items with this value James Earl Motley