VOODOOISM TO BE CHIEF CLUE
Crowley Signal March 25, 1922
News Article from Adadia Parish
Submitted by Winston Boudreaux, 2006

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VOODOOISM TO BE CHIEF CLUE
Crowley Signal March 25, 1922

That voodooism is behind the work of the ghouls who cut Ferris Scott’s arm off 
at the elbow joint, is the firm belief of the authorities.  Their opinion is 
strengthened; it is said, by the report that an uncle of Ulysse Daniels, the 
negro who stabbed Scott is a “voodoo doctor” in Rayne.

District Attorney Ogden told a reporter for the Signal that he is working with 
Chief of Police Lina and the sheriff’s office in an effort to clear up this part 
of the case. If possible, they are trying to locate the portion of the body which 
was taken from the coffin, most likely Monday night, but this is looked upon as a 
hard task, because the possessor of the missing part of the negro’s body will be 
sure to guard it against possible detection.

Not in the memory of the oldest inhabitant of this city has a crime had been 
committed here.  Mr. Ogden said, he had not looked up the exact law covering the 
offense, but he knew it was classified as a felony and would be punishable by a 
penitentiary term.

There were many reports in circulation in Coontown, and a large number of the 
colored population were troubled in their sleep since the news that the grave had 
been opened and the body of Scott mutilated.

Ulysse Daniels has recovered sufficiently from the wounds inflicted by Scott to be 
removed to the parish jail. He was taken there yesterday afternoon. The authorities 
will question him closely in an effort to throw light on the mystery surrounding the 
visit to the grave and the cutting off of Scott’s arm, although little is expected 
to be learned from the source.  It is likely, according to Chief Lina, that a charge 
of manslaughter will be preferred against Daniels, after a conference with 
District Attorney Ogden.