Breathitt County Game Warden Assassinated

Jackson Times

Whick, Kentucky, September 14, 1918

Index

The killing of Elijah Roberts this morning was a shock as well as a surprise to the people around Whick and, in fact, all over Breathitt.

He had just left the depot in company with a Mr. Hall, going to his home. As he neared his home seven shots were fired at him in
rapid succession and five bullets took effect. The assassins were hidden in a cluster of bushes about 30 yards from the road.
Their plans seemed to have been deliberately and carefully made. The branches had been cut away so the assassins could have a clear view.

The finding of two different size steel bullets indicates that at least two participated in the cowardly assassination.

When shot, Mr. Roberts told Hall "to run" that he "was killed."

Possibly before he expired, his watch, a pistol, and a Winchester shotgun were snatched and carried
away by the persons who did the killing.

The bloodhounds of Capt. V. G. Mullikin, of Lexington, were telephoned for and they arrived on the afternoon train.
The dogs were at once taken to the scene of the crime and took the trail, but could only go a short distance as the trail
had been destroyed. There is no clue to the perpetrators, but it is rumored around here that the assassins are two fugitives
from justice who have for the last few years been hiding in the mountains, and it is to be hoped the authorities will run these
men down and convict them for the shameful murder of a man who was fearless in his duties.

Mr. Roberts was one of the best deputy game wardens in the state. He has been active in his work against lawlessness of every kind,
and it is believed by people here that he incurred the enmity of his assassins. His work has been directed against violators of game
and election laws and illicit whiskey manufactures. He had headed raids on several moonshine stills lately, and was known
to have some enemies.

Roberts was a leading Republican of Breathitt County and had taken an active part in movements for the betterment of conditions
in the county.

The body was taken to Jackson Sunday morning, and laid away in the family burying ground, amid the presence of a large concourse
of relatives and friends.

Mr. Roberts was 47 years of age and is survived by his wife and four children, one of whom is in the service, and his parents,
Mr. and Mrs. James Roberts, of Panbowl, near Jackson.