Escaped Convict Killed

October 23, 1899
Macon Telegraph

October 17.—At about one o'clock this evening Berry Powell shot and instantly killed Charles Harris, an escaped convict. D. J. Branch, the sheriff of Appling County, had offered a reward of $25 for the arrest of Harris, describing him as a desperate character and gambler. The marshal of Lumber city, T. J. Wooten, called upon Powell, who was armed with a double shotgun to assist him in making the arrest. When within twenty steps of the negro in front of Bond & Beckon's livery stable, Powell called upon Harris to lay down his gun, a Winchester rifle. The answer was an unprecaution and quick as lightning the convict raised his weapon and put a ball through the hat of Powell, almost grazing his skull. The latter, before the negro could repeat his fire, shot him with a load of buckshot in the head and breast, causing almost instant death. Everyone regards the shooting as justifiable. The coroner's inquest was held this evening. The jury rendered a verdict of justifiable homicide. Everything is quiet.