RAWLINGS FACES COOPER.
Judge Mitchell Signed the Bill of Exceptions Today.
The Case Now Goes to the Supreme Court on Extraordinary Motion
Cooper Says He Is More Confident Than Ever That the Boys Will Not Hang
(From Wednesday’s Daily)
Attorney John R. Cooper came down from Macon yesterday to consult with J.G. Rawlings about his case and to have Judge Mitchell sign the bill of exceptions, which is required to take the case to the Supreme Court of Georgia.
This morning, Attorney Cooper stated that he regards the extraordinary motion he filed, which requests a new trial for the Rawlings boys, as the strongest ever presented to the Supreme Court. He explained that the motion is based entirely on J.G. Rawlings’ confession, made after the trial and previously published in The Times.
Cooper spent time at the jail this morning meeting with Rawlings and his sons. While they remain hopeful, they expressed some frustration, particularly toward officials and politicians involved in their case.
More Delays in the Case
The Times received the following update from an Atlanta correspondent this morning:
Execution Likely to Be Postponed
Atlanta, Ga., June 13—It is unlikely that the Rawlings family, convicted for the murder of the Carter children in Lowndes County, will be executed on July 13, the date currently set. Attorney John R. Cooper, representing the defendants, is expected to appeal to the state Supreme Court, but the case likely will not be heard until the October term.
Cooper must wait until June 28 to serve court papers to the opposing side. Additionally, the clerk of the lower court is allowed 15 days to transmit these documents, meaning they may not arrive until later today.
The Supreme Court’s schedule further complicates the matter. The final criminal case of the current term is set for July 16, and all documents for cases being heard must be filed by July 7. As a result, the Rawlings appeal will almost certainly be delayed until the October term.
Respite and Clemency Efforts
This delay may require another extension of the execution date for the Rawlings family. Should the Supreme Court deny the appeal, Attorney Cooper plans to petition the State Pardon Board for a commutation of the sentences.
Cooper remains confident in his efforts and believes he will prevent the Rawlings boys from being executed.