Slayer gets severe penalty

The case of the Commonwealth against Jim Bradley of Magoffin Co was called for trial Monday evening when the taking of evidence began The case consumed all day Tuesday, arguments were made and the case given to the jury late Tuesday evening.

The case was tried before Judge J F Bailey and it is said to be one of the most revolting murder cases ever tried in Johnson County.

The jury after deliberating during Tuesday night made the report Wednesday morning, finding the defendant guilty of wilfull murder and fixed his punishment as life in the penitentiary.

Bradley is charged with the murder of Frank Shepard at the head of Licking River in Magoffin County back in 1921. Shepard was shot by Bradley, it is alleged and seriously wound, was brought to the hospital seriously wounded, was brought here to Paintsville Hospital were he died a few days later. Because the death occurred in Johnson County it was necessary that Bradley be indicted by a Johnson County Grand Jury which was done.

After the shooting, Bradley made his escape and headed for parts unknown but was later located in Michigan and Sheriff H B Adams of Johnson County went there and brought Bradley back to Kentucky in 1925.

Under the laws of Kentucky the county in which the person dies, as in this case, has jurisdiction, consequently the case under the law had to be tried in Johnson County.

The case, although short in duration, was vigorously fought by the Commonwealth and the defense. Commonwealth's Attorney Jno. W Wheeler conducted the prosecution and was assisted by Attorney Harry H Ramey of Salyersville. The defense was represented by John Howard of Salyersville.

The defense was represented by John Howard of Salyersville and W Dingus and C B Wheeler of Prestonsburg.

July22, 1926

The Paintsville Herald

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