The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-04
Doubt Expressed About Theory That He Was Shot
 By Chicken Thief
WAS SHOT DOWN IN
 HIS OWN BACK YARD
Funeral of We'll Known Young Man Will Be Held at North Birming- ham Residence This
 Afternoon

The murderer of l. Albert Davidson Is still at large. This, despite the combined efforts of the police, detectives and the deputies of Sheriff Walter McAdory, but 1t was announced late last night that an arrest in the case was expected within a few hours.
 Yesterday morning early bloodhounds were placed on the track in the backward or the Davidson residence at 2501 Nine- teenth avenue, north, but failed to pick up the scent. The failure of the dogs to aid in tracing the assassin was keen disappointment to the officers, as 1t had been hoped that the hounds would be able to trace the tracks of the murderer away from the scene and thus give a clue as to his whereabouts.
 Early yesterday Coroner Charles l.. Spain conducted a preliminary investiga- ton in the case and then turned over the matter to Detectives Ed H. Jones and W. H. Jones for a thorough investiga- ton. It is stated that it is not likely that there will be coroner's inquest in the killing for several days at least
 Excitement Over Killing
 Excitement in North Birmingham con- tinues high because of the cowardly as- sassination of young Davidson, who was Davidson, who was married, was g years of age, and had been employed as a clerk for the Southern Express com pany for several years. According to the meagre accounts of the police. who are reticent in commenting on the affair, the killing happened in the backyard or the young express clerks home about 9:30 o'clock Saturday night. From the various statements of occupants of the house 1t appears that Davidson said something about going out to look after his chickens before retiring and q few moments later a cry was heard in the yard, followed by a shot. and Charles Weaver, relative, who ran out to in vestigate. found Davidson lying in the yard near the chicken house shot through the heart. quite dead, and lying face downward. Later a .3S-calibre "U s." pistol was found within the chicken house, and also a bag with chicken in it. which led many to believe that Davidson had surprised chicken thief in his coop and been killed by the thief. However, according to the detec- tives, the theory that chicken thief shot and killed Albert Davidson is utterly flouted by his father James c. David son, of 110 Montgomery street. West End a former ploice officer, who openly states that his son was decoyed to tho chicken yard and there killed in colo blood. It was "frame-up," according to the elder Davidson.
 Reticent About Killing
 In North Birmingham persons Knowing the Davidsons are very reticent about ex- pressing themselves as to how young Davidson was killed. All, however, ex- pressed the highest regard for the young man and state that he was one of the best behaved young men in that part of the city and none had better reputa- ton. The general opinion including that of the police, detectives and sheriff s deputies appears to be that Albert David There is not much stock taken in the chicken thief story.
 Funeral arrangements over the remains of the young man were made yesterday at the morgue of Warner x Smiley and 1t was stated that funeral services will take place this afternoon at o'clock from the Davidson residence at 2501 North Nineteenth avenue. North Birmingham Interment will follow in Elmwood ceme- tery.
 The deceased is survived by his widow and three-months- old daughter hi: parents, MT. and Mrs. James c. David son of West End, and three sisters, Mrs s. T. Phillips, Mrs. F. w. House ant Miss May Davidson.