Defense Presents More Character Witnesses, July 20, 1926

More Character Witnesses for Cranford Heard. . . All of Them Testified to the Good Character of Man Charged with Murder of Two Negroes. . . State Offered Much Evidence. . . Is Indicated that Defense Will Consume Many Days with Evidence—Cranford to Testify

Albemarle, July 20 (AP)—Several additional character witnesses were placed on the stand this morning at the opening of court and testified to the good character of Nevin C. Cranford, on trial for the alleged murder in connection with the deaths of two convicts.

No indications as to when the defendant will take the stand were made.

O.C. Bruton of Mt. Gilead told the jury that Sam Thompson, prisoner, denied tales of harsh treatment at the hands of Cranford in conversation with him.

Thompson has testified that he was beaten by Cranford.

Vic L. Shankle of Mt. Gilead, a contractor, testified that Thompson told him he had received better treatment than he expected, and that Cranford never struck him.

From the front page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Tuesday, July 20, 1926

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073201/1926-07-20/ed-1/seq-1/