Killing at Quitman
Submitted by Donnie PickardVan Buren County Democrat, December 31, 1909, Page 1
KILLING AT QUITMAN
Robert F. Parks of Quitman was shot and instantly killed Monday night by the City Marshall, Elliott Donnell. Parks was under the influence of liquor and is said to have been creating such a disturbance that neighbors sent for an officer to arrest him. The following report of the tragedy is taken from the Arkansas Gazette:
Donnell reached Parks house about 7 o'clock and says that when he told Parks he had come to arrest him, Parks drew a razor and started towards the officer, who pulled out his pistol and fired. Parks fell, shot through the left side at the waistline with a ball from a 45-calibre Colts, and died almost instantly without speaking a word.
Donnell surrendered immediately after the killing to Deputy Marshall Chism, stating that he was forced to shoot Parks in order to save his own life. Acting as coroner, Justice of the Peace J.M. Lay summoned a jury and at 10 o'clock Tuesday began an inquest over the body of Parks at the dead man's former home, and the examination of witnesses.
Parks was about 35 years of age, was married and leaves a widow and two children. For some time past he is said to have been going on drunken sprees, at which times he would appear insane and could not be controlled.
Donnell bears a good reputation, he has served as marshal only about two weeks, having been sworn in recently to assist in preserving order here during the holidays.
The coroner's jury after being out four hours was unable to decide as to the guilt or innocence of Donnell and he was held under a bond of $250. Members of the Parks family were the only eyewitnesses to the tragedy and they testified at the inquest that Parks was unarmed and was not threatening Donnell with a razor.