Jail is a “Dirty Dungeon”
Dr. Broughton Criticizes Lowndes County Prison Conditions
Dr. L.G. Broughton, an Atlanta preacher, visited the Lowndes County Jail last week to meet J.G. Rawlings and his sons. Rawlings had written to Dr. Broughton, requesting a visit and prayers.
Upon returning to Atlanta, Dr. Broughton shared his experience during his sermon on Sunday night. The Atlanta Constitution provided the following account of his remarks:
Dr. Broughton reported that J.G. Rawlings admitted to hiring Alt Moore to kill Carter but denied involvement in the deaths of Carter’s children. Rawlings expressed shock upon learning about the children’s murders.
The elder Rawlings’ primary goal is to secure a new trial for his sons, believing new evidence could exonerate them. He claims sole responsibility for Carter’s murder and insists his sons were uninvolved.
“If there’s even the slightest chance the boys are innocent, they deserve a new trial,” Dr. Broughton said. “I hope they will be given that opportunity.”
Dr. Broughton condemned the conditions of the Lowndes County Jail, calling it “a disgrace for the community.” He noted that while Valdosta’s citizens were kind and hospitable, the jail’s conditions were appalling.
“That jail is a dirty dungeon,” he stated. “It’s shameful that prisoners are confined in such a place. While I spoke to the old man, I saw at least half a dozen rats running around. I had to lift my feet off the floor to avoid them.”
Dr. Broughton also observed that the people of Valdosta appeared willing to give the Rawlings boys every chance to prove their innocence. According to Rawlings, however, public outrage over the crime prevented his sons from receiving a fair trial.
Attorney Cooper’s Involvement
Attorney J.R. Cooper, representing the Rawlings boys, attended Dr. Broughton’s sermon at the Atlanta Tabernacle. After the service, Cooper spoke with Dr. Broughton, discussing his ongoing efforts to secure a new trial for the boys.