A double case of mistaken identity left a man dead in 1924 and put a New Madrid County deputy behind bars. Local emotions are running high as his trial approaches. The 1974 edition brings positive news from Three Rivers Community College and updates in the Watergate trial.
100 years ago
July 24, 1924
• A deputy from New Madrid County goes on trial next week, and emotions are running high.
Deputy Sheriff Murl Kerr, 22, is charged with fatally shooting a local farmer named Charles Cleveland. Cleveland’s girlfriend (whom the article left unnamed) told authorities the two were driving on the highway the night of July 12 when they met several cars stopped in the road, flashing their headlights. Believing this to be an highway robbery, Cleveland sped off, but was struck by a single shot fired into the car. He slumped over his seat and his girlfriend seized the wheel, driving them to safety. Cleveland died the next day.
The barricade wasn’t highwaymen, it was the sheriff’s department. When Kerr was arrested, officers explained they tried to stop Cleveland’s car because they thought it was driven by “bandits.”
Kerr is deputy sheriff under his father. Two thousand people gathered at his hearing yesterday, where his bond was raised yesterday from $5,000 to $25,000 and the defense requested a change of venue.
75 years ago
July 24, 1949 — No issues available.
50 years ago
July 24, 1974
• Topping the Daily American Republic’s front page is “Supreme Court Rules 8-0 Against Nixon On Tapes,” forcing then-President Nixon to surrender subpoenaed tapes and papers connected to the Watergate investigation.
• Three Rivers Community College has been awarded a $100,000 federal grant to keep operating its learning lab, and the resources therein. The DAR reported the counseling, tutoring and developmental center serves around 100 students at any given time and features “intensive counseling and advising in careers, college subjects... and personal problems.”
The grant was awarded under the Higher Education Act of 1965.