The police Tuesday were holding two negroes and one white man, but had made no definite charges against any one, following continued investigations into the murder Saturday night of George L. Keller, Johnston Street grocer. The white man, who gave his name as Hudson, and the negro named Kid Kimbell, both alleged to be “bad actors,” were brought from Spartanburg Monday night by Detective D.B. Bradley of the city police.
No additional evidence for publication had been obtained by the officers, though Chief Walter B. Orr has kept a special detachment of detectives at work on the case. Officials in cities and towns throughout this section are at work on the case, and are on the lookout for a tall, slender negro and a short, stout negro who have been described as the men who slew Mr. Keller as he was passing a dark spot on West Eleventh street, in front of the Fidelity Mills, en route from his Johnston street store to his home on East Seventh street.
The white man, who is being held here, was responsible for the arrest in Spartanburg of Kimbell. The negro told him that he “played hell with a white man in Charlotte.” Conflicting stories have been told by the white man and negro, and both have told several stories, the police reported.
RECORD IS BAD
Hudson admitted to the police that he lived at 704 North Smith street for some time. The place is only a few blocks from the store of Keller. He also admitted purchasing groceries at a store near the Keller establishment. The police have records showing that he had been engaged in “hold-ups,” it was claimed.
Police expressed confidence that the murder was committed by negroes, but Hudson was being put through the third degree to see if he knew anything about a plot for the murder, as he had been accustomed to “running” with negroes and knew of their habits. The white man claimed he was in Salisbury Sunday night, but is story as to his movements Saturday and Sunday do not satisfy the officers.
Kimbell is an escaped convict from the Mecklenburg camps and has a sentence of seven months to serve out. He is a big, burly fellow and has given the police considerable trouble in the past. He denied his statement of having “played hell with a white man,” and attributes the declaration to his white companion on the hoboing trip south.
CHIEF STILL HOPEFUL
A jury called together by Coroner Frank Hovis heard evidence Monday afternoon in connection with the killing, but was unable to present any evidence that might lead to the apprehension of the slayers. Another meeting will be held Thursday, a verdict having been delayed to allow the police additional time for investigating the murder.
Chief Orr said Tuesday he feels certain that time will bring to justice the perpetrators of what is described as the coldest blooded murder in local police annals of recent years. The cooperation of police in other cities and towns and the accurate description which the authorities believe they have of the negroes is expected to prove of assistance to the local officers.
The reward of $400 offered by the city and county for the capture of the men will stand. An additional reward is expected to be offered by the state.
From the Charlotte News, May 17, 1921
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