Attorneys Expect Execution of Rory Matthews to be Postponed for Appeal to State Supreme Court, Oct. 22, 1925

Rory Matthews Not Standing in Danger of Death. . . Appeal from Verdict and Decree of Superior Court to be Heard by Supreme Court in Spring Session

Newspaper stories of recent date, setting forth that it might be probably that Rory Matthews, convicted at the September term of Harnett Superior Court of murder in the first degree with recommendation to mercy and sentenced to die in the electric chair on November 13, would secure a stay of execution so that his appeal may be held by the Supreme Court, have been the cause of some inquiry from those not conversant with the true status of Matthews’ case. The reports have brought the question whether the degree of execution would be carried out in face of the fact that the jury returned with its verdict a recommendation and the further fact that Matthews’ counsel immediately took an appeal to the Supreme Court and gave bond.

In addition to the regular bond required on appeal cases to the Supreme Court. In cases of capital punishment a bond is required in order to stay execution. This bond will also be given, according to counsel for Mr. Matthews, in the same due course that bond was given for the appeal. Rory Matthews is now in the State Prison, where he has been confined since the day following his trial and conviction for the killing of Daniel J. McLeod at the September court.

The reports coming to the observation of The News, it was at once ascertained from counsel for Mr. Matthews as to whether anything so very much out of the ordinary was taking place, or would likely occur, in the Matthews case. According to Messrs. Floyd Taylor and Walter P. Byrd, local counsel for Mr. Matthews, there is no likelihood at all of Rory Matthews being executed. Being told that the newspaper reports were calculated to stir up some excitement among friends and relatives of Mr. Matthews, the attorneys stated that the case would in all probably take its due course and be heard at the Spring term of Supreme Court, when and where they expected to get an order granting a new trial. Failing in that, however, there is the recommendation of the jury to fall back on, together with the assurance of the court officials who participated in the trial of the case, that they would recommend a commutation of the death sentence.

Visitors to Rory Matthews’ cell in State Prison state they find him in excellent mood, optimistic over the final outcome of his trouble, and looking as healthy as ever.

Opinion seems to be sharply divided as to whether there will be sufficient ground for the Supreme Court to be induced to grant Matthews a new trial, but there is universal agreement on the often expressed opinion that in any event Matthews’ sentence of death will be commuted to imprisonment for a term.

From the front page of the Harnett County News, Lillington, N.C., Thursday, October 22, 1925

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