Search for Killer of Deputy Sheriff "Little Bill" Burleyson, April 28, 1923

Searching for Slayer of Deputy Sheriff. . . “Little Bill” Burleyson Shot Through Vitals of Two Alleged Moonshiners

By the Associated Press

Johnson City, Tenn., April 28—Avery county authorities and a posse of men were today searching for Robert McKinneq, 22, alleged slayer of “Little Bill” Burleyson, 48, deputy sheriff who was shot through the vitals by one of two reputed moonshine operators in Star Hollow, Roaring Creek, near Minneapolis, N.C., according to information received here today. Quinzee Gabeal, a young man, is held in the Newland jail as an accessory.

The dead deputy sheriff was known as one of the most fearless officers in Western North Carolina. He leaves a widow and seven children.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, April 28, 1923