Monday, April 30, 2018

Preliminary Hearing in Southport Murder Case, 1935

From the Southport State Port Pilot, April 24, 1935

Preliminary Hearing in Murder Case to Be Held in Recorder’s Court Before Judge Peter Rouark

A preliminary hearing will be held today (Wednesday) before Judge Peter Rouark for Willie Mae Gaskins and Albert Daniels, both colored, who are charged with the murder of Chederick Gaskins, also colored.

The killing occurred in the turpentine plant in the Gaskins’ shanty on the evening of January 20. Willie Mae Gaskins, wife of the murdered negro, told officers that she killed her husband in self defense. She made her confession before a coroner’s jury and was ordered held for trial in Superior Court.

Two years ago while Superior Court was in session here, the grand jury brought an indictment against Albert Daniels, father of Willie Mae Gaskins, charging him with the murder. The hearing was set for last Wednesday but important witnesses were unable to appear and the matter was postponed for a week.

Other Cases

The only case disposed of was that against Austin Davis, white for reckless driving and driving under the influence of liquor. He was given six months in jail. This sentence was suspended upon the payment of the costs in his case and upon the further condition that the defendant remain of good behavior.

The case against H.K. Kelly, white, for violating the game laws was continued for two weeks.

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