The Brunswick news., 1919-08-19
Frank Madray Meets Tragic
Death at Offerman Yesterda
Attempting to Make Arrest
SHOT IN BACK OF HEAD
AS HE TURNED AWAY
Will Waters, Negro, Wanted in
Wayne County, Oefies Officer
Who Was Caught Unawares
Posse Formed at Jesup by
Sheriff Rogers Locates Negro

R. Frank Madray, deputy sheriff
Of Wayne county, was shot ami in
stantly killed yesterday afternoon by
Will Waters, negro desperate at Of
ferman, small station in Pierce
county, and junction of the A., d. and
A. and A. c, l., railroads.
The details of the affair were OBJ
tanned by long distance phone by The
News from Sheriff Rogers, of Wayne
county, at Jesup, last night, and they
reveal one of the moss atrcciouG
murders recorded in this section in
many months.
Going to Offerman with a warrant
fCr Waters, who was wanted in
Wayne county on charge of violat-
ing the prohibition law, Deputy Mad
ray was Joined on reaching that place
by James Sinclair, turpentine oper-
ator who knew the location of tho
negro's home, The two men proceed
ed to the outskirts of the village in
quest OF Waters, and on approaching
his cabin came unexpectedly upon the
outlaw.
Before the officer had spoken Il
word concerning his mission, Waters
OWNED that he was wanted and with
large pistol swinging from his right
hand defiantlY stated that he was not
going to be taken alive. Both Deptu;
Madray and Mr.. Sinclair wera taken
Ey surprise and although armed made
no attempt to draw their weapons on
account of the negro having The ad-
vantage of them.
Deputy Sheriff Madray informed
Waters that if he did not want to
come to Jesup at this time that he
could answer his summons later en-
deayoring to get out of the trap into
which he had fallen.
The negro grew more defiant ard
threatening and the. deplty ard Sin
clair turned to leave the desperate
negro until they could meet him on
equal grounds. Mr.. Madray had taken
but few steps, with his hack to
Waters, wheMthe negro quickly fired
his revolver, the bullet striking the
deputy sheriff in the back of the read
and crashing through his brain, pass
ed out between the eyes. leaving a
gaping hole in the forehead. Death
was instantaneous.
Z Seeing his victim fail Waters imme.
diately took flight withoct making
any effort to shoot -Sinclair, who had
rushed to the, side OF his friend.
e1 a -
Rogers at Jesup ana within few
minutes a posse of fifteen was organ
lied and special train engaged to
rush the sheriff and hts men to the
scene of the tragedy, Arriving nt Of
ferman Sheriff Rogers was io'nfd by
Sheriff ]. w. Robinson OF Blackshear
with his deputies and rack dogs.
The man hunt was imme aiately talk
en- up, the posse being divided into
squads, which were Sent in various
direction, Sheriff Roge~7 and Deputy
Lamb. Of Pierce, leading the Il gs.
witkin a short time, however, the Off
GERS learned that Waters had sought
refuge in a shanty abou two and a
half miles from the scene OF the mur-
der
Calling the dogs off the trail the Of
ficers hastened to the catin hat had
been pointed out to them surround
ing it began a search for the mar
derer He was finally located beneath
the rugged little hut, partially con-
cealed between two logs. with ristol
drawn and ready for action. Before
the desperate could fire. however, a
ycSav of shots rang out from dozen
oSlcre rifles and revolvers and the
body of the fugitive was literally rid
died with bullets.
The body of Deputy Sheriff Mad
ray was placed aboard the train and
carried back to Jesup where 1t was
met by a large number of citizens OF
that place. The tragic death OF the
popular deputy caused the most pro-
found sorrow throughout the entire
county, where he was known and es-
teemed by every one.
Sheriff Rogers stated last night that
a brayer man nor a more courageous
and efficient officer never lived than
his friend and deputy. Frank Mad
ray. He was about 3S years of age.
The dead officer leaves wife and
eight children. He is also survived by
his father, Richard J. Madray, ,one oi
Wayne county's most prominent and
respected citizens and by six broth.
ers and six sisters.
Mr.. Madray was well known in
Brunswick, having visited here fire.
quently and made many warm friends