WOMAN KILLED BY SHOT AT SQUIRREL; COUSIN NOT HELD
Struck by a shot fired at a squirrel, Mrs. Ida J. Sanders, 60, widow, was killed last Thursday afternoon, the tragedy having been enacted two miles southwest of Lake City, near Massengill Bridge on the Cove Creek road, between Norris and Lake City.
Wayne Burress, 27, a farmer and Mrs. Sander’s second cousin, said he fired at a squirrel, but saw something fall in a cornfield nearby. On investigating, he found the body of Mrs. Sanders, who had been struck in the face and breast by the load from the shotgun. Burress notified the family and officers were called.
Sheriff C. H. Wells and Coroner Joe Wilson decide that the shooting was accidental. The family also agreed with that verdict, and no charges were placed against Burress.
Mrs. Sanders is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lipscomb Burton, of Lake City, Route 1, a daughter, Mrs. Rena Wilson, a granddaughter, a sister, Mrs. Carson Foust, and three borthers, Roscoe and Charlie Burton of Lake City Route 1, and Sherman Burton, of Briceville. Her husband, George Sanders, died early this year.
Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock at Island Ford Baptist church, conducted by the Rev. Truman Woods. Burial took place in the church cemetery.
Published in the Clinton Courier – Thursday, September 19, 1940
[Submitted by Troy Mitchell]