MUTILATED BODY OF DEAD NEGRO

March 24, 1922

The body of Ferris Scott who was buried Monday morning has been disinterred and mutilated by ghouls who paid a visit to the grave since the negro was buried. It is thought that this was done Monday night.

The gruesome fact was discovered this morning when the brother of the deceased accompanied by Chief of Police Lina and armed with a certificate from Dr. M.L. Hoffpauir of the City Board of Health, dug up the negro and made an examination of the remains.

Scotts right arm had been cut off at the elbow, and could not be found anywhere in the vicinity, although an attempt had been made to restore the grave to its former appearance.

The investigation was made by Chief Lina following a report made to him by the brother of the dead man that the grave had been tampered with. Chief Lina promptly went to the grave and saw that what the negro said was true.

The result was that the proper permit was obtained this morning from Dr. Hoffpauir and the grave opened. Upon coming to the coffin it was plain that there were loose screws and the cover was carelessly put on. Further examination showed that Scotts arm had been removed.

Officers are working on the theory that the motive behind the deed was voodooism. It is thought that some relatives of the accused man had stolen this arm as a charm to be held in behalf of Ulysse Daniels, the idea being that if some portion of the dead mans anatomy is held by the friends or relatives, the man Daniels will escape the penalty of his crime. This theory is supported by the fact that a cousin of the accused man has left town, and while this is not taken as proof positive, some weight is placed on the circumstance.