Criminal Justice Matters: Vince Brown, Will Eddings, 1908, Winn Parish, LA.
Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483


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From: September 4, 1908 Winn Parish Enterprise

This Negro Showed Up Too "Bully"

And It Proved Too Costly in the End, Like a Flash of Lightning


On last Saturday morning the attention of Marshall C. C. O'Malley and his
deputy, Chas. Felix, was called to disorders among several negroes in the
vicinity of the L. & A. depot.  They repaired to that point on the railroad
and met two negroes, Vince Brown and Will Edding, on the railroad track..
Both negroes had been drinking.  Brown had a pistol and on the demand
of Marshal O'Malley to give it up, he raised his arm as if about to
shoot when O'Malley shot, killing him almost instantly.

Coroner J. J. Peters summoned a jury to investigate facts, composed of L. R.
Neill, H. J. Perkins, R. F. Machen, R. C. Jones, J. N. Sowers.  A thorough
investigation of the facts leading up to the homicide was made and the
following verdict was rendered: "The said Vince Brown came to his death August
29, 1908, from a gunshot (pistol) wound in the hands of town marshal C. C.
O'Malley, wound inflicted in self-defense by said O'Malley, while attempting
to place Vince Brown under arrest, therefore, justifiable homicide."  The
party of negroes had been drinking, gambling, and quarreling before the
shooting occurred.