Essey Higginbotham Shoots Leo Doucet

The Church Point Democrat April 11, 1908

Last Friday evening about five o’clock quite a sensation was created by the report of a revolver in the center of town, and many rushed to the scene. It appears that Higginbotham’s smaller brother had been called aside by a negro to talk over some business matters, when Doucet with two companions undertook to have a little fun, they drew their knives and ordered the negro to skee-do which he did. The negro run to the elder Higginbotham, who was standing a little ways off, and asked him to protect him. Whereupon Higginbotham remonstrated with and tried to persuade the fellows to desist. They then threatened to use their knives on him.

It is stated that Higginbotham avoided shooting as long as his safety permitted, and finally had to shoot for self-protection, the bullet striking Leo Doucet in the left shoulder and taking a downward course come out below the shoulder blade and entered into the shoulder of a fine horse belonging to A. Fontenot which was tied nearby. This stopped the fuss and Doucet was given surgical and medical aid, and is thought not to be seriously hurt.

Higginbotham surrendered to the authorities, and was immediately released on bond. Neither of the parties were under the influence of liquor.

Essey Higginbotham also killed a D’Augereaux.