Criminal Justice Matters: George F. Poole, James Scott, 1908, Winn Parish, LA
Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483***********************************************
Submitted to the LAGenWeb Archives*
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From: March 20, 1908 Southern Sentinel or Comrade

Recent Shooting At Town Of Verda

Some of the Facts Gleaned of Its Cause and the Results

In the matter of a complication of events that eventually lead to personal
encounters and fatal results it is extremely difficult to secure and establish
facts, free from some personal bias or interest in the circumstance that lead
up to the certain serious complications.

It is very generally conceded that the trouble which occurred at Verda last
Sunday evening in which pistols played a prominent role was the outcropping of
the bad feeling engendered on the race troubles in the same town some two
weeks previous.

A close investigation of rumors afloat and conversation with several citizens,
on last Monday night's train, lead to the only partial solution of the truth
and is given as ascertained.  The principals in this unfortunate affair were
Geo. F. Poole, deputy sheriff from Grant Parish, and James Scott, bookkeeper
for the Richardson Ozone Saw Mill, which was the culmination of the Verda
race conflict.

It is asserted that Poole made remarks about Scott while at supper. 
Accompanied by D. K. Tucker, Geo. New, and D. O. O'Neal went on the street and
Poole saw and approached Scott, introducing himself.  Words ensued leading to
the use of weapons.  In the melee that followed, it was difficult to ascertain
who fired first.  Poole was shot in the abdomen, and afterwards was conveyed
to Alexandria and died from the effects of his wounds.  Scott ran away after
the shooting and escaped unhurt.  He came to Winnfield Monday and surrendered
to Sheriff Shaw and is in prison.

Only a legal investigation will unearth the facts of this unfortunate
encounter.  There is considerable feeling engendered by this clash of
interests.  Only the display of forbearance and the wise counsel of cool heads
will avert further trouble.  Until the truth of this occurrence is legally
developed any comment pro or con is withheld at present.