Grand Jury Won’t Indict Constable in Sheriff’s Death
DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, May 17.— (A.P.) — The Walton county grand jury refused to Indict Constable James Neal today for the fatal shooting of Sheriff D. C. Adkison and Frank Hendrlx, prison camp employe.
The jury returned a no bill against the constable, who was accused of slaying the two men early on the morning of April 7 when they accosted him near his home on the outskirts of DeFuniak Springs.
The day before Neal had arrested a brother of the sheriff and charged him with transporting liquor. The constable gave himself up after the shooting.
The grand jury’s final report contained severe criticism of lax enforcement of law in Walton county.
Mrs. Celia Adkison was appointed by Governor Cone to succeed her slain husband as sheriff until the office is filled In November.
[Source: The Tampa Tribune, 18 May 1938, Page 13]
[Burial: Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Pleasant Ridge]