Atlanta Daily World

Woman Slain In Westside Niedt Plant: Employer Ris Injured

The young clerk of a Westside dry cleaning plant - who two days earlier asked police to arrest her estranged husband for pointing a pistol at her - was slain Tuesday by a hail of bullets triggered by the man whose arrest she sought, police reported.

Mrs. Lillian Dennard, 31, of 317 West Chester Blvd, N. W. Apt. 4 lost a three hour struggle to live shortly before noon Tuesday after six bullets were pumped into her body-four of them striking her in the head and others piercing the chest and shoulder region.

EMPLOYER HURT

A seventh bullet injured Mrs. Dennard's employer, James W. Couch proprietor of DeLuxe Cleaners at 867 West Hunter St. He was admitted to Grady hospital with a bullet in the calf of his right leg.

Det. E. F. McKillop said John Dennard, 38 who has been separated from the slain woman for two weeks was being sought in connection with the killing. The officer said Mrs. Dennard filed a complaint against her husband Saturday for pointing a pistol at her but no one appeared as witness. There had been threats made by him on several occasions he added.

The shooting occurred between clothes racks at the DeLuxe Cleaners around 9:30 a. m. The victim died in the Grady Hospital Emergency Clinic approximately 11:40 a. m.

BOTH MOVED

The Dennards formerly lived in an apartment at the corner of West View Dr., and Lawton St. Det. McKillop said, but both moved to new quarters two weeks ago when they became estranged. The detective said Dennard was believed to reside at the YMCA. However official of the Butler St. YMCA said he is not a present guest nor has he resided there this year.

Mrs. Dennard, whose maiden name is Powell, was married to Dennard two years ago. At that time the husband worked at the post office relatives said. Dennard has been unemployed since before the separation. The couple had no children.

HEARD TALKING

Recalling circumstances leading to the shooting Mr. Couch said he heard loud talking and walked to the front where he was hit by a stray bullet from a small calibre weapon reports indicated. All seven of the bullets fired apparently were meant for Mrs. Dennard. Doctors counted six bullets in her body

Det. McKillop quoted Couch as saying when the shooting started he tried to get out of the way but jumped too late.

Burwell Burson an employee in the rear of the cleaning plant said Mr. Couch started to remain in the rear but finally decided to go up front and investigate loud voices.

Mr. Burson said Dennard hung around here (cleaning plant) nearly all day Saturday with a pistol.

SEEN RUNNING

Dennard was seen running from the scene of the crime "shoving the gun in his pocket as he ran," asserted Det. McKillop.

J. S. Brown, operator of an appliance store across the street from the scene of the crime, said he just happened to walk to the door and saw a man running out with the pistol. He said he does not recall hearing the shots. Brown called police.

The slain woman's aunt, Mrs. Walter Tidwell, of an Alpine Place address said Mrs. Dennard has two sisters and two brothers residing in Atlanta. The victims parents Mr. and Mrs. Luther Powell, live in the family's native home Templeton, Georgia.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later by Royal Funeral Home of Carrollton, Ga.