The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1909-02-11

| KILLING WILL BE PROBED
FIVE MEN ACCUSED OF HIS MUIR
DER ARE IN JAIL.
Charles McAlhany, the Last OF the
Five. Surrendcrs Him
self.
St. George, Feb. 6.-With the sur
render of Charley McAlhany this
morning all of the parties charged
with the murder of Presley Reeves
are now lodged in the county jail.
McAlhany was not arrested with the
other defendants yesterday, it being
the intention of Sheriff Owens to ap-
prehend him this morning.
A preliminary examination into
the affair will be held by Magistrate
Moorer Wednesday. The defendants
demanded an investigation immedi-
ately, but in view of the large num-
ber of witnesses to be subpoenaed,
this was impossible. There are near
" fifty witnesses to be summoned,
some of whom reside in other coun-
ties, and it will take several days to
have them notified.
The defendants when interviewed
were not disposed to talk very much.
They all protested their innocence,
however, and said that they knew
absolutely nothing of the killing.
| All of the men, with the exception
of Fairey, are confined in a cell to-
gether on the first floor of the jail.
while Fairey is confined on the Sec
ond floor. They have been made as
comfortable as possible under the
circumstances, and apparently enter
tain no fear as to the outcome. In
fact they seem rather inclined to
treat the matter with indifference.
Arant, one of the defendants, re-
Gently suffered a stroke of paralysis,
and the effects thereof are still ap-
parent. He was unable to testify at
the inquest because of illness, and is
the only defendant whose testimony
has not been taken. When seen to-
day he was lying on the bed and had
his right arm bandaged, although his
condition is not such now as to neces-
state his being confined to bed.
Sheriff Owens and several special
officers have been conducting a
thorough investigation into the mat
ter for the past several days, and it is
thought that the preliminary examl-
nation will develop features Of SEN
sational nature.
Lon Weeks. of the local bar, repre-
sents the prosecution, while four Of
the men charged with the killing are
represented by John A. HERS. Esq.
The defendant. Fairey, is without
counsel as yet.
The killing of Reeves was probably
the most exciting and sensational
homicide in the criminal annals OF
Dorchester county, not only because
of the brutal and heartless way in
which the victim was slain, but be-
cause of the fact that it is generally
accepted that his connection with the
Audubon Society was the cause OF
his death.
The Edisto river. which runs
through the section in which the
murder occurred, was favorite
place for people of that community
to fish, and Reeves being generally
regarded as man of undisputed
courage, the violators of the fish and
game laws realized that his appoint
ment as game warden would cause
them trouble, especially since he was
a resident of the immediate section,
and was we'll acquainted with condi-
tions thereabouts Then, too. there
existed a family feud of long stand
ling in the community, and young
Reeves had had several tilts with his
neighbors prior to his death. one OF
which, it was said, was with one OF
the defendants at Branchville, day
or so before the killing.
The jury of inquest impannelled to
investigate the killing had three
hearings, but were never able TO
agree upon a verdict. While evidence
produced at these hearings was cir
cumstantial, it is understood that the
prosecution has additional evidence
to present at the preliminary examl-
nation, and the arrests yesterday is
evidence that they have something
up their sleeves. The case has Gre
ated high interest in this section OF
the State, and results are anxiously
awaited. The defendants are all
prosperous farmers, and will doubt
less be represented by able counsel.
Arant, especially, is we'll known
and is said to possess considerable
property. Each side is equally de-
termined, and the matter will be
fought to the last ditch.
| Juror Drops Dead in Court.
| Yorkville, Feb. S.-Quite sensa'
ton was created in the court house