THE FLAGLER TRIBUNE
Bunnell, Florida
Thursday, September 30, 1926

 

The long hand of John Law reached out Saturday night and brought back a murderer to face the courts of the land after he had fled from the scene of the crime, going by the way of the thick woods and swamps.

About sundown Saturday afternoon, Sheriff Perry Hall received word that Robert Frank had shot and killed Frederick Drone, both negroes of Favoretta, a settlement eight miles south of Bunnell on the F. E. C. railroad. Sheriff Hall at once went to the scene of the crime, made an investigation, finding that Frank has a sister living in New Smyrna, and learning that the murderer had left immediately after committing the deed, going through the timbered section of that part of Flagler County. Sheriff Hall returned to Bunnell and boarded a train leaving here around midnight, thinking probably that the negro would get on the train at some way station south of Favoretta. But the sheriff arrived in New Smyrna alone. He at once got in touch with Policeman Cannon of the New Smyrna police force, and they quickly found the residence of Frank's sister. After having the house surrounded, they entered and found Frank asleep. "The murderer was arrested and brought hack, Sheriff Hall having sent his car to New Smyrna before leaving Bunnell by S. H. Newbill and Son Durrance. In less than twelve hours after the murder was committed, the law had found its man.

Sheriff Hall stated "the capture of Frank was, in a large measure, due to the quick and active cooperation of Policeman Cannon. He not only gave every assistance in this particular case but also has, from time to time, assisted me in more ways than one. I also wish to say that if all members of the New Smyrna police force are as conscientious in their duty as Policeman Cannon, New Smyrna should be congratulated for having what I feel to be one of the best police forces in the state. I have always received the utmost cooperation from all members of the New Smyrna force, but particularly from Mr. Cannon."