Durant Weekly News
September 8, 1916
pg.5

HARPER BENNETT ACQUITTED OF MURDER CHARGE
Sherman, Texas, Sept. 1 (Special to the Advertiser). - Harper Bennett, charged with the m urder of his brother-in-law, Dr. S.L. Hogan, at Pottsboro, Texas, on the 2nd day of January was acquitted by  a jury in the district court here t his morning, after deliberations lasting less than hour.  The case went to the jurty at 10 o'clock last night, and was deliberated upon about 30 minutes, when further consideration of their verdict was postponed by the jurors until this morning, and a verdict being returned at 9:15 o'clock.  When the verdict was read, the defendant was the recipient of congratulations from all sides, showing that the sympathy of the community was largel y on his side.
The case sent to trial 10 days  ago, and was one of the hardest fought legal battles ever staged here.   Many witnesses were examined and  the defendant was on the stand for several ho urs.
Dr. Hogan was killed on the streets of Pottsboro January 2nd.  Hogan was the husband of Bennett's sister, and they had been divorced, the decree being granted to the wife.  It was said after the tragedy that Hogan was attempting to beat his former wife out of her property rights, and this may have had a bearing on the case.   The shooting occurred in the streets of Pottsboro, several shots being fired.   The deceased was found with a revolver in his pocket when picked up.   Immediately after the shooting, Bennett surrendered to the officers, and was granted bond at a preliminary hearing.
Bennett lived in Durant for several years, being identified with what is now the State National Bank.  He has many friends here and in this vicinity, to whom the news of the killing was a shock.  Bennett is a successful business man, about 40 years of age, and unmarried.  While he lived in Durant he conducted himself in an exemplary manner, and was regarded as a good business man.