Four Violent Deaths Probed in Mobile, Ala.
Two Drownings, Fatal Beating and Auto Accident Take Lives
Mobile, Ala., July7. (U.P.) - Four violent deaths within 24 hours - two drownings, a fatal beating and an auto accident - kept Mobile and Baldwin County officers busy today. Another death, attributed to heart attack but surrounded by mysterious circumstances, was under investigation by federal officials.
The two drownings occurred in Baldwin County late yesterday. Kenneth Melton, 17, of Guin, Ala., lost his life when he waded beyond his depth in Bon Secour River. Other members of a Future Farmers of America chapter were on a camping trip, recovered the body but were unable to revive ther companion.
A swimming party in Perdido River cost the life of Mary Alice Edmundson, 14, of Muscogee, Fla. Other members of the party failed in resuscitation efforts.
Funeral services were held at Bon Secour today for Walter Hoff, 55, fatally beaten early yesterday in a fight with Ervin Jones, 20, after an argument climaxing a Sunday outing. Jones remained in county jail at Bay Minette awaiting hearing on a first degree murder charge. W. C. Rumph of Mobile was fatally injured here early today when an auto he was driving crashed head on into a street car. Police said Rumph was attempting to pass an outbound car on the left side at the time.
Federal officers continued their investigation of the death of H .H. Durant, night watchman at the Federal Barge Line fueling plant on Blakley Island. His body was found there yesterday.
Anniston Star, July 7, 1936
Transcribed by Dawn Conway