The age-herald., 1898-11-24
When the Room Was Entered His Body
 Found With Ugly Bruises on It.
C0R0NER'S JURY WILL INVESTIGATE
Lighter Was Put to Bed Between l 2 and l O'clock-About O'clock Mrs. Kirlkley Heard Noise in
 Vicinity of His Room.

c. M. Lighter, a machinist employed at the Southern railway shops was found dead in his room at the residence of Police Ofi- cer G. w. Kirkley No 25Os Avenue yes terday morning with evidences of foul play.
 Lighter failed to arise at the usual hour and on investigation his body was found in the bed with an ugly bruise near the right temple and on the cheek. Other bruises and scratches were found on other parts of the body. The bed clothing was in disorder and the sheets were stained with blood which had evidently flowed from the wound.
 As soon as it was discovered that the man was dead Dr. J. B. Gibson was hastily summoned and upon an examination of the body announced that death had been caused by a blow on the head, which had ruptured an artery.
 A message was also sent to the coroner's office. and in the absence of Coroner Dallas who was in Montgomery, Robert A. Morris of the probate office was deputized as special coroner to make an investigation.
 Coroners Investigation
 MT. Morris went immedia tely to Lighters room and held a preliminary examination which developed the following facts, ac- cording to the testimony of the witnesses:
 It was shown that Lighter was at the supper table on Tuesday night and was apparently in good humor. He seemed to enjoy his supper, and remarked that he had eaten four dozen oysters during the day. After the meal was finished he left the house accompanied by Ed Powers, a fellow-boarder Powers was examined and testified that he left the house with Lighter about 7:30 o'clock and came up town with him. They took several drinks, and were together until about 10:3O o'clock when he said he Host" Lighter in Twenty-fourth street. He further testified that he saw o'clock. On returning home at that hour, he says that he saw Lighter coming around the corner of the house as if he had come from the back yard Powers stated that both he and Lighter were drunk, and that on entering In0 mousse anu attempting to go upstairs to his room, Lighter fell and was unable to get up. Being in no condi- ton to assist him, Powers testified that he called another young man who boarded in the house to assist Lighter to his room, and that he assisted in putting him to bed Powers then went to his own room across the hall and retired.
 Heard Noise at 2 O'clock
 Mrs. Kirkley was next examined. and testified that about o'clock she heard a noise in the room occupied by Lighter, but it soon quieted down and she paid no more attention to 1t. The noise, she said, sound ed as if a struggle was going on, and at first alarmed her.
 Acting Coroner Morris then made an ex- animation of the body, carefully noting the nature and location of the wounds. In the dead mans pockets was found S4 fin silver and several letters from his relatives. These were taken in charge by the acting coroner, who, after consulting with the board of county commissioners, decided to make further inquiries into the cause of the death and ordered the body removed to the Miller Undertaking company's establishment in Third avenue, where an inquest will be held today at 1 o'clock.
 From the letters found upon his person 1t was aseertained that Lighter had a brother in Anniston and a sister and 15- year-old daughter residing in Atlanta. A letter from his sister bearing date of Mo- vember called attention to the fact that "Lnnette is 15 years old today" and had received a present, which she supposed had been intended for her birthday, which greatly pleased her.
 Lighter has resided in this city for sev- quiet and industrious man. He was about AS years of age, and has followed his trade for number of years.
 Acting Coroner Morris telegraphed to his daughter informing her of the death of her father, but did so reluctantly, knowing full well the heart aches that would be caused by such sad intelligence, but up to a late hour had received no reply.
 Inquest WilI be Held Today
 A jury has been empanelled and the in- quest will be held at the rooms of the Miller Undertaking company this afternoon, by which time it is thought that instructions will have been received as to what disposi- ton to make of the body.
 While the circumstances surrounding the death suspicious, it is possible that the man might have fallen and struck his head against some hard object, causing the bruises which later produced death.