Clintwood, Va., Aug. 8 (AP)—A sheriff and a State prohibition agent were dead today, having settled with guns a grudge which had its origin five years ago in a disagreement over a land deal. The dual was staged last night on the steps of the Dickenson County courthouse.
C. Pridemore Fleming, Dickenson County sheriff, died soon after the battle with a bullet in the region of the heart. The dry agent, James S. Mullins, succumbed today from the effects of three bullet wounds.
A group of villagers, gathered on the courthouse for the customary evening talk, were ordered away by the sheriff. All but Mullins obeyed, and the sheriff was said by witnesses to have opened fire on the State officer. Mullins, a one-armed man, retreated up the steps, he sought protection behind a stone column, but in the exchange of shots with Fleming, he was struck in the stomach, arm and face.
After the cessation of the shooting, witnesses said, Fleming turned and walked away. At this juncture Mullins was reported to have fired the shot which killed Fleming, who fell unconscious and died 30 minutes later in a hospital.
The controversy between the men was said to have been re-kindled lately when they had some words over the recent Virginia primary.
Fleming was 50 and well-known throughout Southwest Virginia. He was serving his second year as sheriff and in addition conducted the Fleming Hotel. He leaves a widow and three children.
Mullins was 45 and had been connected with the State prohibition forces for five years. His widow and eight children survive.
From page 2 of The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., August 9, 1926
newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn84026483/1926-08-09/ed-1/seq-2/
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