The Galveston Daily News
Wednesday, August 10, 1921
pg. 3

MAN GIVES SELF UP AFTER DEATH OF TAXI DRIVER
Special To the News
Ladonia, Tex. Aug 9.  - Joe Hall, missing since the killing of Bob James, Honey Grove service car driver, gave himself up this  morning to a farmer living south of Ladonia. Hall was brought to Ladonia. He made a statement regarding the death of James. After making the statement Hall was taken to Bonham.
The body of James was found in his automobile four miles from Ladonia, near Bug Tussle, last week. His head had been beaten with a hammer.
Two men have already been taken into custody in connection with the crime.


The Whitewright Sun
Friday, August 12, 1921
pg. 1

ONE ARREST MADE IN JAMES MURDER CASE
Bonham, Aug. 8 - Bob James, driver of a taxicab from Honey Grove to Ladonia, was found dead in his automobile 4 miles north of Ladonia early Friday morning.  James' head had been beaten to a pulp with an 8-pound machinist's hammer.  The killing of the service car driver took place near the home of Lee McFarland on the main Ladonia and Honey Grove road near a
dipping vat.
Tracks of a man's shoe and those of a woman's shoe were found near where the automobile was left in the road where the body of James was discovered by persons who were passing along the road early Friday.  A hat bearing the trade-mark of a Ladonia firm was found near the automobile. It is believed by those who knew James that robbery was the motive for the murder, as James was known to have usually carried large sums of money on his person.  He had been advised by bankers, as well as many of his personal friends, to deposit the money in a bank, but persisted in carrying it in his pocket.  There is no doubt that the murder was committed by highwaymen, as a sum of money estimated at $1,500 is said to be missing.  James' clothes were turned inside out.
Friday afternoon officers arrested a young man by the name of Roy Hewitt living between Honey Grove and Ladonia.  He is about 20 years old, and can neither read nor write.  It is believed there will be other developments within a short time.
Mr. James' hat was taken through a mistake by one of the men who did the killing.  The hat was identified and belonged to Joe Hall, who lived in and near Ladonia.  The officers tried all night Saturday and all day Sunday to find Hall but in vain.  He was seen at his brother's home about 6 miles south of Ladonia Saturday night.  He was also seen at a farm house in that community a little after dust [sic] where he stopped and with an oath demanded to eat.  He was seemingly unarmed and the man drew a gun on him and demanded him to not come in the house but he did not stop and went on in.  After getting something to eat he cut across a field and went south.
Sunday evening about 7 o'clock a phone call from the Laird farm stated Hall was near there under a bridge and many cars went out from Ladonia to assist an arrest but he had gone.  It is stated by parties who saw him that he was heavily armed.  Rain prevented further search but an arrest is expected soon.
His brother brought him a new pair of duckings and a blue shirt Saturday evening.  He is wearing tan shoes.  $2100 is offered for the arrest of Hall.  Hall is sandy-haired, weighs about 150 or 160 pounds, and about 5' 10" tall and red complected.

MURDERER SURRENDERS
Bonham, Tex., Aug. 9 - Three men were held in jail this morning as a result of the investigation of the murder and robbery last Thursday of Bob James, service car driver, who was robbed of $700 and beaten to death with a sledge hammer near Ladonia.
Joe Hall gave himself up to John Holloway, farmer, near Ladonia, yesterday, and was brought here and placed in jail today.  The other 2 men, Roy Hewitt and Wallace Hall, brother of Joe Hall, have been in jail several days.  Hewitt has made a signed confession implicating several  in the crime.
A big crowd of James' friends from Honey Grove gathered here today when they heard of Hall's arrest.  They surrounded the jail but later dispersed.


Honey Grove Signal
Friday, September 9, 1921
pg. 1

TRIAL OF MURDERERS CALLED YESTERDAY
The trial of Joe Hall and Roy Hewitt, for the murder of Robert James, south of Honey Grove, 4 weeks ago, was called in District Court at Bonham yesterday morning.  At the time the Signal was put to press it  had not been decided what disposition will be made of the case.  The District Attorney will contend for immediate trial, and the people who know of this awful crime sincerely hope there will be no delay in meting justice to the murderers.  It has been rumored for several days that the defendants will ask for a change of venue on the grounds that a fair trial cannot be had in Fannin county.  Many witnesses have been summoned, including all the newspaper men of the county.
Several days ago the rumor gained currency that Joe Hall, one of the men charged with the murder, had confessed to killing a man in Greenville.  This rumor is without foundation in fact, no such confession having been made.


The Bonham News
Tuesday, September 13, 1921
pg. 1

MURDER CASE IS TRANSFERRED
Hewitt and Hall Taken Away Friday.  Case Will Be Tried in Sherman

Last Thursday and Friday were given over to the case of Roy Hewitt and Joe Hall, charged with the murder of Bob James.  This was the case that excited so much interest in the district court.  As has been mentioned before, a special venire of 125 men had been summoned from which a jury was to be drawn.  However, Major Fred S. Rodgers, attorney for the defense, appointed by the court, asked for a change of venue and then the court was busy making examinations of  the witnesses, and some of the best men in the county were examined.  It appearing to the court, however, that a change of venue was not
feasible at that time Judge Denton announced that the case would go to trial the next day, Friday. On that day the large coterie of men were lined up in front of the judges' bench, and with the exception of a few who had legitimate excuses, all were questioned by both the district attorney and the attorney for the defense.  Only 1 man out of this number was accepted and about 4 o'clock it was decided by the court to give the case a change of venue and it was announced that it had been transferred to Sherman and would be tried there in the 59th District Court.  Soon after the announcement was made both prisoners were taken away in an automobile by a deputy sheriff and it was not given out where their destination would be.


The Whitewright Sun
Friday, September 16, 1921
pg. 6

TWO MURDER CASES COME TO SHERMAN
Sherman, Sept. 11 - Joe Hall and Roy Hewitt, the former at one time a resident of Sherman, will be tried in Sherman for the murder of Bob James, a service car driver, near Honey Grove 2 months ago...Hall and Hewitt are accused of murdering James, south of Honey Grove, by beating him over the head with an iron pipe.  Robbery was the alleged motive.  Neither was arrested for some time after the murder, and officers in Sherman assisted the Fannin County officer in locating Hall.  He was accused from the first, and Fannin County officers believed he might come to Sherman.  He was captured first, and implicated Hewitt, it is stated.


The Whitewright Sun
Friday, September 23, 1921
pg. 4

"The Wages of Sin Is Death"
A few days ago we looked upon a young man who is charged with the awful crime of murder. He is but a boy in years, but is blessed with a strong body and a face that would give him a favorable introduction anywhere.  We have gazed upon the bodies of men after the mysterious thing we call life had passed; we have seen men whose bodies were warped and twisted by disease; we have seen the bleeding bodies of men that were pierced by bullets or torn by beasts; but no sadder sight
ever met our gaze than the living body and face of Roy Hewitt, even though neither bears any physical wounds.
Roy Hewitt is charged with the brutal murder of Bob James, a man who did him no wrong, but had shown him feelings of kindness.  He was in the court house when we saw him, and the theme of conversation with judges, attorneys, and witnesses was the brutal murder charged against him, and to which has has made a full confessions.  The constant talk of the murder had virtually worn the young man's life away and left him a breathing thing without hope and without control of his body.  He looked only at his hands, doubtless scanning his fingers for spots of innocent blood that the waters of the mighty oceans could not wash away.  He trembled, he jerked, and his lips ever moved as if in prayer to a throne  that heard not.  Roy Hewitt has eyes in which the luster of youth is still seen, but he sees only the bloody, bruised form of an innocent man; he has ears not dulled by the ravages of time, but he hears only the dying groans of Bob James.
This young man has confessed that he participated in this brutal murder, and the consciousness of his guilt closes to him every avenue of hope.  In memory there are only groans and stains of blood, yet memory lives on to mock and curse.  Ambition, aspiration, hope - all are dead, and all repose in a bloody sepulcher.  The future holds before his gaze only the
lonely cell and the gibbet, but no doubt he would gladly fly to these to escape the accusing eyes of men, but even there he must meet the accusing finger and hear the accusing voice of God.  The poor fellow trembled with a new terror every time the lawyers discussed the case with a new witness.  This must go on for days and Roy Hewitt must hear his own confession of guilt read to the court, and he must hear the testimony of those who saw the bruised form of the innocent man.
And then - on that awful day, before the Great Tribunal, he must hear the testimony of Bob James.
Is there a hell? Ask Roy Hewitt.
"For the wages of sin is death."  - - - Honey Grove Signal


The Whitewright Sun
Friday, September 30, 1921
pg. 6

HALL AND HEWETT TO BE TRIED OCTOBER 11-13
Sherman, September 26 - Judge Silas Hare has set the cases of Joe Hall and Roy Hewitt, accused of the murder of Bob James, service car driver, near Honey Grove, in Fannin County, for October 11 and 13, respectively, in his court and appointed counsel to represent the defendants.
Hall, who formerly lived in Sherman and Hewitt have been in the Grayson County jail since their cases were transferred to Grayson County on a change of venue.


The Bonham News
Friday, October 7, 1921
pg. 4

Hall and Hewitt To Be Tried Next Week
The case of Joe Hall and Roy Hewitt, charged with the murder of Robert James, are set for trial in the district court at Sherman next week.   The men will be tried separately.   Hall's trial is set for Monday and Hewitt's for Wednesday.  Two young lawyers of Sherman have been appointed to defend them. A great number of witnesses from Honey Grove and
surrounding country have been summoned. - -  -  Honey Grove Signal


The Denison Herald
Monday, October 10, 1921
pg. 3

FEELING NOT HIGH AGAINST ALLEGED MURDERS, CLAIM
Sherman, Oct. 10 - Sam Wolfe, one of the attorneys for Joe Hall, who will be tried on a charge of murder in the 15th District Court on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, stated Monday that he was recently in the community where Hall and Lee  [sic] Hewitt are alleged to have murdered a service car driver and that contrary to rumor there is not so much bitter
feelings against the 2 defendants.
"It is true," said Mr. Wolfe, "that most of the people believe them guilty, but they are willing that they be given a fair, public trail.  There has been a good deal of rumor in Sherman to the effect that mob violence is likely to be suffered by the 2 men, but after my trip to the scene of the murder in Fannin county, I am assured that the rumor is unfounded."
Mr. Wolfe would make no comment on the case against the 2 men.


The Denison Herald
Tuesday, October 11, 1921
pg. 8

JOE HALL TO TRIAL ON MURDER CHARGE
Accused of Killing Honey Grove Taxi Driver

Sherman, Oct. 11 - A special venire of 75 men were on hand Tuesday morning from which a jury will be drawn to try the case of the State of Texas vs. Joe Hall, charged with the murder of Bob James, a service car driver, on the Honey Grove-Ladonia road on the night of August 4, last.  The case is being tried before Judge Hare.  The body of the murdered man was found the following morning, with the head battered into a pulp, a bloody sledge hammer was found near the body.  The clothing of the
dead man had been rifled and the several hundred dollars in cash, which it was commonly known he carried on his person, was missing, showing that robbery was the probably cause of the horrible affair.
The murder was described as one of the most brutal in the history of this section of the state, and feeling ran high in the community for several days following the crime.
Hall and Joe Hewitt were arrested a few days following the finding of the body, and it is alleged that the 2 confessed their guilt.  Mob violence was feared, but no trouble encountered.
The cases were called for trial in Fannin county in September, but after a special venire of 250 men was exhausted without a jury being secured, the cases were transferred to Grayson county for trial, and on Sept. 9 the 2 men were transferred to the Grayson county jail.
Since the arrest both the men and especially Hewitt have shown physical signs of mental strain they are under, Hall's condition is fair, but Hewitt has developed a nervous disorder which has made him practically helpless.
Hall asked that he be tried first and his wish was granted by the court.  It is not know what defense the appointed attorneys will make for either of the defendants, but unless a surprise is sprung it is fairly certain that the state will develop a strong case against the 2 men.


The Denison Herald
Wednesday, October 12, 1921
pg. 1

STATE DEMANDS DEATH PENALTY FOR JOE HALL
Arguments in Trial of Confessed Slayer Resumed.
TESTIMONY IN TUESDAY - Witness Says Accused Man Planned Robbery of Taxi Driver

(Special to The Herald)
Sherman, Oct. 12 - Wednesday morning and part of the afternoon was taken up by the argument of both state and defense in the case of Joe Hall, charged with the murder of Bob James on the night of August 4, last, in Fannin county.  Testimony was completed Tuesday, after 10 witnesses had been examined.
Testimony offered shows that the defendant confessed to his sister-in-law and the sheriff of Fannin County.  He also signed a written confession.
James, according to testimony given, was beaten over the head with a hammer and robbed.  James was a service car driver in Fannin county, and it is understood he was in the habit of carrying large sums of money on his person.  After he had been hit, the money was taken off him by the defendant and Roy Hewitt, it is alleged.  The next morning Hall's hat was found near the scene of the robbery and killings.

ASKS DEATH PENALTY
Hall's brother and sister-in-law testified, as did the brother of the other man implicated in the affair, Hewitt.  Hewitt, the witness, testified that Hall came to him a month before the killing and tried to get him to help in the alleged robbery.  Hewitt said he refused and then, from all indications, Hall got...Hewitt for the "job".
Testimony from the doctor attending James tended to show that more than the first few blows struck were necessary to kill the deceased.  But when James' body was found, his head had been beaten so badly that part of the skull was pulp, and the brains were running out of the cranium.
George P. Blackburn, of Paris, district attorney for the 6th District, composed of Fannin, Lamar and Red River counties, is special prosecuting attorney in the case.  Mr. Blackburn presented his argument first Wednesday morning, taking an hour to finish.  His address to the jury was well worked up, very coherent, and had the case well in hand.  Mr. Blackburn asked for the extreme penalty in the murder case, death, and then endeavored to show why he asked for the sentence.

PLEADS FOR HALL
George Hamilton next spoke for the defense, and asked the jury to consider the intentions of the defendant.  He tended to show Hall was not guilty of murder, because his intentions were not such.  Though the defense counsel admitted Hall had broken the law, they argued he did not plan such an act as he is accused.
Henry Wilson, assistant county attorney, was the second speaker for the state, closing his argument just before court adjourned for noon.  Mr. Wilson also asked for the death sentence, declaring that it was necessary for the protection of society against such crimes in the future.
Following Mr. Wilson's speech court adjourned until 1:30 o'clock Wednesday.


The Denison Herald
Monday, October 17, 1921
pg. 1

Sherman - Hewitt Given 99 Years for Murder - Hall's Accomplice Sentenced Saturday night.
Sherman, Oct. 17 - "We, the jury, find Roy Hewitt guilty of murder of Bob James and assess his punishment at 99 years in the penitentiary," was the verdict returned in the 15th District Court at 8:45 o'clock Saturday night.  The decision was reached after 4 hours of deliberation, the case having gone to the jury at 4:40 o'clock Saturday afternoon, following the conclusion of lengthy arguments by both state and defense.  The defendant showed no unusual emotion and seemed to be unmoved
as the verdict was read.
Hewitt was jointly charged with Joe Hall, an ex-convict, with the murder of James.  Hall was tried a few days before Hewitt and was sentenced to hang, but the verdict in the Hall case was unknown to the jury in the Hewitt case.
It was shown that Hall and Hewitt waited for James, who was a service car driver, on the Honey Grove-Ladonia road in Fannin county, on the night of August 4, last, asked him for a ride. James gave them the "lift," while in the car the 2 attempted to rob James, the latter being hit over the head with a heavy hammer during the attempt. The following morning
the victim was found with his head pounded to a pulp.  In the excitement Hall made the mistake of getting James' hat and leaving his own at the scene of the murder, this mistake led to the arrest of the 2.  Evidence shows that Hall was the leader in the affair and was the one who killed James.
Hewitt is only 19 years of age. He is suffering from a nervous disorder that has practically made a physical wreck, and it is claimed by the defense that he is mentally weak.
The attorneys for the defense were not in the court room at the time the verdict was returned but it is understood that they will ask for a new trial, and if this is denied, will appeal the case.


The Waco News-Tribune
Waco Texas
Saturday, October 19, 1921
pg 1

GIVEN DEATH PENALTY IN DRIVER'S MURDER
By the Associated Press
Sherman, Texas, Oct. 4. - Joe Hall was sentenced to pay the death penalty by a jury here today at his trial for murder in connection with the killing Aug. 5 on a lonely country road of Bob James, a service car driver. Roy Hewitt, indicted with Hall, was immediately placed on trial.


The Courier-Gazette
McKinney Texas
Wednesday, October 26, 1921
pg 5

TIME FOR ACTION
It looks like the hangman is to have something to do in this part of the State. It takes severe treatment to deter some people from the commission of crime, and a few hangings may have a wholesome effect. The death penalty was imposed on Joe Hall at Sherman the other day. Hall and Roy Hewitt were charged with the murder of Bob James, a Honey Grove . . driver. Hewett was given ninety-nine years. - Celina Record


The Whitewright Sun
Thursday, December 22, 1921
pg. 1

OVERRULE MOTION FOR NEW TRIAL OF HALL
Sherman, Dec. 20 - Judge Silas Hare of the 15th District Court overruled a motion for a new trial in the case of Joe Hall, sentenced to hang for the murder of Bob James, Tuesday morning.  The case was argued Monday, but Judge Hare did not make his decision until Tuesday.
The motion for a new trial was based on alleged misconduct of the jurors in the case during the trial.  Members of the jury filed affidavits denying the charge and a new trial was denied Hall.
Attorneys for the defendant announced that they would take the case before the court of criminal appeals at Austin.
Hall was convicted in the 15th District Court some months ago.  It is charged that he and Roy Hewitt murdered Bob James, a service car driver, near Ladonia, and robbed him of several hundred dollars.  Hewitt was sentenced to life imprisonment in the penitentiary and accepted sentence.


Dallas Morning News
January 31, 1922

HALL APPEALS MURDER CASE FROM GRAYSON
(Special to The News)
Austin, Texas, Jan. 30 - Appeal in the case of Joe Hall from Grayson County, convicted of murder in connection with the death of Bob James in Fannin County on Aug. 4, 1921, and sentenced to death, was filed today in the Court of criminal Appeals.  The case was tried in Fannin County on change of venue granted on motion of defendant.  According to the record, James died as a result of a blow on his head inflicted with a hammer.


Sherman Daily Democrat
Wednesday, May 17, 1922
pg. 1

DEATH PENALTY IN JOE HALL CASE IS SET ASIDE
Court of Criminal Appeals Takes Action -  Convicted Last Oct.

Charged with Killing Bob James, Service Car Driver, in Honey Grove.
By the Associated Press
Austin, Texas, May 17 - One death penalty was reversed and remanded by the Court of Criminal Appeals today.   The case is that of Joe Hall, convicted in Grayson County for the murder of Bob James.
Discussion by the jury of facts not submitted in the case but of the jurors knowledge, is known as the reversal cause in the Hall case.
J.A. Carlisle received a message from the clerk of the Court of Criminal Appeals at Austin Wednesday morning informing him that the case of Joe Hall from Grayson County had been reversed and remanded...Mr. Carlisle went to Austin Feb. 8 of this year and argued the case before the Court of Criminal Appeals, asking for a new trial.  He set up as his grounds for a reversal (1) that the defendant had not been properly warned before making an alleged confession; (2) misconduct of the jury in that they attended a moving picture show and went to a fire while considering the case; (3) that the jury received additional evidence after it retired by discussing the age of the co-defendant in the case, Roy Hewitt, which was not in the evidence; (4) improper argument of the County Attorney in his closing argument in the case.
It is not know which of these propositions the Court of Criminal Appeals rested its reversal on. 
Hall has been in jail here since his conviction.  When informed of the fact that the death sentence had been set aside he was much elated, but had little to say.


The Whitewright Sun
Thursday, November 23, 1922
pg. 2

JOE HALL CASE SET FOR TRIAL DEC. 4TH
Sherman, Nov. 20 - Joe Hall convicted and given the death penalty in the 15th District Court in October 1921, for his alleged participation in the murder of Bob James, a Fannin County service car driver, and who was later given a new trial because of misconduct by the jury, will again face a jury in Judge Silas Hare's court in December.  The second trial has been set for
Dec. 4, the entire week being given to the case.  Hall has been in the Grayson County jail here for more than a year.
His alleged accomplice in the crime, Roy Hewitt, who received a 99-year sentence, accepted sentence and is now in the State penitentiary.


Sherman Daily Democrat
Sunday, December 10, 1922
pg. 1

JOE HALL'S CASE SET FOR MONDAY DISTRICT COURT
...A special venire of 75 talesmen has been summoned from which to draw a jury...Hall's counsel is composed of J.A. Carlisle, George L. Hamilton and Sam Wolfe, appointed by the court.


Sherman Daily Democrat
Tuesday, December 12, 1922
pg. 1

JOE HALL CASE NOW ON TRIAL IN SHERMAN
Jury Completed Tuesday Morning and Evidence is Introduced

Sheriff Was On Stand - Officer Tells of Seeing Dead Body of Bob James And Meeting Up With Hall in Custody
The last juror for the trial of Joe Hall for the murder of Bob James was secured shortly after 11 o'clock Tuesday morning.  Oscar Salter, the 12th juror seated, was the 92nd talesman examined for jury service in the trial.  Introduction of testimony began immediately after Mr. Salter was  accepted by both sides.

Testimony Starts
J.E. Whitley, of Bonham, present Sheriff of Fannin County, and Sheriff at the time Bob James met his death in August 1921, was the first witness called by the State.  Sheriff Whitley related how he had gone from Bonham to near Bug Tussle on the Honey Grove-Ladonia road on the night Bob James was found dead, and that he had seen James' body in the hearse.  He described how the head was badly beaten.
Sheriff Whitley said he saw the defendant Hall first after James' death 9 miles southeast of Honey Grove, 4 or 5 days after James' death.  He said he took $225.53 off Hall.  In reply to cross-examination questions asked by J.E. Carlisle for the defense, Whitley said Henry Howard, City Marshall at Ladonia, was in charge of Hall when he saw him, and that Hall with
"another man" had gone to Ladonia where the other man had turned him over to the officers.
Lee McFarland, farmer living near the place James' battered body was found, was the second witness.  He told of seeing James' lifeless body in his car by the side of the road near his place.  The head rested on the steering wheel and the right side of the head was "beat of a pulp."  McFarland identified a khaki-colored felt hat which the State introduced as one
found on the ground at the rear of James' car, and a 2-pound blood-stained sledge hammer as one which was found just over the fence in a field from the car.  McFarland testified that the hammer when found was covered with blood and other matter.
The defense excused McFarland without asking him any questions.
Attorneys for the State expressed the belief that all testimony in the trial would be completed at the Tuesday afternoon session.
Judge Silas Hare gave particular instructions to the jury that they should not discuss the case nor mingle with the public during the trial, and he ordered that any newspapers which the jury might see during the trial should be first examined by an officer and any reference to the case be first cut from the paper.
The jury secured an unusual in that brothers are sitting on it. They are Tom A. Shearer and E.B. Shearer, of Sherman.  The other members are F.M. Jacob, A.F. Vincent, R.P. Buck, O.J. Hollis, T.A. Hiley, Lou Jones, Fel Bailey, John Emmons, D.E. Smith, and Oscar Salter.


The Whitewright Sun
Thursday, December 14, 1922
pg. 4

JOE HALL CASE TO JURY
Sherman, Texas, Dec. 13 - Argument in the case of the State vs. Joe Hall, charged with the murder of Bob James, Honey Grove service car driver, was completed today and the case given to the jury for decision.


Dallas Morning News
November 20, 1927

Sister Dead, Gets Furlough.
Special to The News
AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 19. - Gov. Dan Moody Saturday granted a five-day furlough to Roy Hewett, serving a ninety-nine year sentence from Grayson County, to allow him to attend the funeral of his sister. Hewett was 19 when convicted in 1921.


The Whitewright Sun
Thursday, December 21, 1922
pg. 1

HALL JURY FAILED TO REACH VERDICT
Sherman, Dec. 15 - The jury in the case of the State vs. Joe Hall, alleged self-confessed murderer of Bob James, Fannin County service car driver, was discharged today by the court at 12:05 o'clock.  The jury was hung, with 10 for the death penalty and 2 for life imprisonment.  Hall was taken back to his cell in the county jail.  The case will be tried again.
The jury in the case had been deliberating on the fate of Hall since 4 o'clock Wednesday afternoon.  At no time during the deliberations did they indicate how they stood on the question in regard to the fate of Hall until the report made...they stood hopelessly hung.
The next trial will make the...trial for Hall.  He was given...death penalty in a former trial of a year ago, but the case was reversed on the alleged misconduct of one of the jurors.


The Whitewright Sun
Thursday, July 26, 1923
pg. 6

THE JOE HALL CASE
Nearly 2 years ago Joe Hall and Roy Hewitt cruelly murdered Bob James, near Honey Grove.  Justice demanded swift capital punishment for the 2 fiends in human form who, without cause, beat out the brains of their fellowman.  One of the men is serving a life-time sentence, which perhaps is as great a punishment as hanging, but the other is still waiting for a jury of his peers to assess his punishment, even though he has already been tried 3 times.
Such things cause us to complain, and sometimes to attack our courts and our laws. But where is the trouble? It isn't with the courts or the laws; it's with us.  The law against murder is all right.  The system of court procedure, while bunglesome and imperfect, is sufficient.  But we, the people who serve on the juries, are very imperfect.
Last week Joe Hall plead guilty to the brutal crime and 12 men undertook to assess his punishment.  They deliberated and discussed, but couldn't agree. Ten of them insisted that Hall pay the extreme penalty, but 2 were chicken-hearted and wouldn't give their votes for a death sentence.  Doubtless it would have been the same way if the 12 men had been
selected in or near Honey Grove.  Human nature is pretty much alike the world over.
But let's not lay the blame on the law or the courts.  The blame rests upon us -  upon the people who serve on the juries - upon the people who complain of miscarriage of justice and the law's delay. - - - Honey Grove Signal.


The Whitewright Sun
Thursday, August 2, 1923
pg. 2

JOE HALL GIVEN LIFE TERM AT SHERMAN
Sherman, Texas, July 28 - Joe Hall, a young man of Ladonia, Fannin County, charged with murder in the killing of Bob James, service car driver, who was beaten to death with a hammer and robbed on the Honey Grove-Ladonia pike in August, 1921, was found guilty and given a life sentence in the State Penitentiary by a jury in the 15th District Court at 10 o'clock here Saturday morning.  The verdict was reached on the 3rd ballot after 2 hours deliberation.
James D. Buster, one of the attorneys appointed by Judge Silas Hare to defend Hall, announced in open court following the report of the verdict that Hall will accept sentence.
This was the 4th time that Hall has been tried here on this charge, the case being transferred to Grayson County on a change of venue.  In his first trial, nearly 2 years ago, Hall was convicted and given the death penalty, but the case was reversed by the Court of Criminal Appeals.  His second and third trials resulted in hung juries.  Hall entered pleas of guilty in his last 2 trials.
Roy Hewitt, another Ladonia youth, who was charged jointly with Hall in the killing, was given a life term in his first trial nearly 2 years ago and is serving his sentence.