McAllister Murder – January 29, 1925 – Bell’s Preliminary Hearing Tomorrow

An unidentified negro boy with wounds in, his head similar to those that killed Edward L. Mc Allister, was found on the canal bank this morning within a stone’s throw of the McAllister home.

Found at Canal.

The boy, who is about twelve years old, was discovered at the canal near Cedar street and Seiler avenue by J. D. Stafford, of 1312 Seiler avenue.  He reported his discovery to the police. The negro had evidently been thrown in the canal by his assailant as dead. When discovered, his hands were clenched so tightly together as to be almost white. He was carried to the Georgia Infirmary. 

Investigating

The negro was found just within the city limits and city police will investigate. Lieut. Hallford of the police, reports that the negro who up to this time is not identified beyond the name “Joe,” was chopped in the head with a hatchet.

County policemen who saw the wounds in the boy’s, head believe he was struck with a blunt instrument, not a hatchet. This view is said to be held by the physician who operated on the youth.

One Arrested.

The victim of the assault mumbled the name of someone supposed to have been his assailant. The city police have one suspect in custody. He is a negro. They, are looking for another negro.

The theory of the police is that the negro was thrown into the canal and that he crawled out on the bank, where he was found and the case reported. 

McAllister’s Death,

McAllister was discovered dead In, his house a fortnight ago, terrible hatchet wounds having been inflicted in his head. William R. Bell was arrested and charged with the murder. He is now In jail awaiting a preliminary hearing. This will be held tomorrow morning.

The spot where the negro was found is within a very short distance of the McAllister home.