Obituary of NICK DOUGLAS, LaSalle Parish, Louisiana

Copied and Submitted by: Doug McBroom, 15520 Swan Lake Blvd., Gulfport, MS 
39503

From The Jena Times - Olla Tullos Signal; Jena, LaSalle Parish, La.  
Microfilm at the LaSalle Parish Library located in Jena, LaSalle Parish, La.

Many Thanks to The Times - Signal and to the LaSalle Parish Library for 
allowing the following to be added to the Archives.





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Date:  September 24, 1936

Headline:  Local Negro is Found Dead on Wednesday A.M.
Sub-Headline:  Mystery Surrounds Death of Nick Douglas, Found on Vacant Lot 
Here

Nick Douglas, middle aged Negro man, was found dead on a lot between Edward's 
Cafe and the old Garrett Jewelry store building on Oak Street early Wednesday 
morning.  One shot, supposedly fired from a pistol entered his neck and 
protruded through, coming out at the back of his body just below the collar 
bone.

Local officers are on the opinion that Douglas was killed early Tuesday 
night, although his body was not discovered until early Wednesday morning.

A coroner's jury consisting of Alex Richey, Jess M. Whatley, J. W. Green, A. 
P. Willis and W. H. Bishop, was empaneled shortly after the body was 
discovered by Dr. J. A. Gaharan, parish coroner.  They examined the body and 
its surroundings and called another meeting of the jury for 3:30 o'clock 
Wednesday afternoon at which time ten witnesses were summoned to appear and 
testify in the case.  The jury had not reported its deliberations at the time 
of going to press Wednesday afternoon.

Douglas had been a resident of this section throughout his entire lifetime 
and had worked for many white families in Jena.  Outside of drinking he bore 
a good reputation and his relatives were at loss to understand any motive for 
the killing.

Sheriff Barlow Thompson and his deputies continued their investigation of the 
case, but were awaiting a full investigation by the coroner's jury before 
making any arrests in the case.