Lawrence Chavis, A. Stewart, Marvin Jacobs, Nun Oxedine Cleared in Murder of Cleveland Lambert, Feb. 1, 1926

Indians Not Guilty of Murder Charge. . . Four Indians Go Free after Jury Deliberates Many Hours—Cleveland Lambert, Victim of Lawrence Chavis’ Knife, Was Snapping Pistol at Chavis. . . Riding About at Night

Lawrence Chavis, A. Stewart, Marvin Jacobs and Nun Oxedine, Indians, were cleared of the charge of murder in Superior Court here Friday afternoon when a jury returned a verdict of not guilty as to all the defendants.

The Indians were charged with the killing of Cleveland Lambert, Indian, who died in the county home here Christmas day, a few weeks after he was stabbed by Chavis. The trial began Wednesday and reached the jury late Thursday afternoon. Failing to arrive at a verdict at 11 o’clock Thursday night, Judge B.F. Daniels gave recess until Friday morning. As soon as court was opened Judge Daniels gave the jury further instructions and the verdict was reached Friday afternoon at 4:20.

Chavis admitted on the stand that he stabbed Lambert, and a physician testified that death was the result of the stab. Chavis claimed that Lambert was pointing a pistol at him and pulling the trigger when he stabbed him in the back of the neck. The pistol failed to fire, but another witness testified that he heard the pistol snapping and Chavis telling Lambert not to do that.

The assault took place near Jonakin branch in the Raynham-Rowland section late at night, and it was in evidence that the four men and woman of bad character were “just riding about.” The case attracted much attention and several attorneys appeared on both sides.

From the front page of The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., Monday, Feb. 1, 1926

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