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The Democratic Banner
Mount Vernon, Knox County, Ohio
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In Hot Springs, Ark., on Dec. 27, a masked mob ambushed and shot prisoner Oscar Chitwood, charged with murdering Sheriff Jake Houpt, during his transfer. Handcuffed to Deputy John Rutherford, Chitwood was killed instantly. Prosecutor J. V. Wood probes how the mob knew the timing and questions Rutherford's story. (214 characters)
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Receive Mysterious Tip As To Time Of His Removal
Man Charged With Murder Of Sheriff Was Handcuffed To Deputy When Latter Is Ordered To Throw Up His Hands--Trio Open Fire While Fifteen Companions Mount Guard In Street--Prosecutor Not Satisfied With Officer's Story
Hot Springs, Dec. 27.-Oscar Chitwood, charged with the murder of Sheriff Jake Houpt, was shot to death in the jailyard by a mob of masked men, who by some mysterious means obtained inside information as to the hour of his expected removal to the state penitentiary.
Recently he secured a change of venue for his trial and he was to have been taken to Benton, Ark.
Deputy Sheriff John Rutherford handcuffed Chitwood and put the second bracelet on his own wrist, preparatory to taking him to the police station, from whence they were to start for Benton.
Between the jail and the courthouse lays an enclosure built last September for the hanging of a murderer. As the sheriff and his prisoner were passing through this enclosure three men with handkerchiefs over their faces met them. Just outside the enclosure the rest of the masked mob waited.
Deputy Throws Up Hands.
The deputy sheriff was ordered to throw up his hands and as soon as he stood there with his hands in the air the three masked men shot their bullets into Chitwood. Nothing was said, and when the prisoner fell to the ground, evidently dead, the masked men walked outside, rejoined their companions, and all disappeared.
County Prosecutor J. V. Wood has begun an investigation. He wants to know how the mob discovered that Chitwood was to be removed from the jail. He subjected Deputy Sheriff Rutherford to a searching examination, and said afterwards that he was not satisfied with his story.
The order for Chitwood's removal was only received Sunday, and only a few officials knew of the plan for his removal. Chitwood was to have been taken to the police station and thence to a train for Little Rock, where it was planned to hold him in the penitentiary for safe keeping until his trial at Benton began.
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Location
Hot Springs, Ark.
Event Date
Dec. 27
Story Details
Oscar Chitwood, charged with murdering Sheriff Jake Houpt, was shot dead by a masked mob in the jailyard while handcuffed to Deputy Sheriff John Rutherford during his transfer. The mob had inside information on the removal timing. Prosecutor J. V. Wood investigates, doubting Rutherford's account.