Joe Armstrong Killed by W.C. Gulley and R.V. Tyler, June 11, 1925

Joe Armstrong, negro convict of a road gang near Rocky Mount, was beaten to death by his guards, W.C. Gulley and R.V. Tyler Saturday. The men have been put under arrest and an investigation made of prison conditions in the county. The negro was beaten with a hickory stick, a lash, and kicked and mauled with fists because he was lazy and would not work fast enough, according to the reports.

From page 10 of The News Reporter, Whiteville, N.C., Thursday, June 11, 1925

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn85042236/1925-06-11/ed-1/seq-10/