THE FLAGLER TRIBUNE
Bunnell, Florida
Thursday, December 19, 1929

 

J. H. Burns, alias Rushton, escaped from the county stockade here Monday and was overtaken by Sheriff J. H. McKnight near Pellicer Creek, about half-way between this place and St. Augustine. McKnight after calling out for the prisoner to halt fired his pistol twice, one bullet taking effect, killing the man instantly, according to testimony given at the inquest held the next day.

Sheriff McKnight was exonerated by the coroner’s jury, whose verdict after the inquest held was as follows: "J. H. Burns, alias Rushton, came to his death as the result of a gun shot wound, said gun shot having been fired by J. H. McKnight, sheriff of Flagler County, Florida, while in the discharge of his lawful duty."

It was said that Burns was from Montgomery, Ala., and it is understood that relatives were notified at that place after he was killed.

Burns was serving time for a minor offense committed in this county a short time ago.