Editor’s Corner: Can you get away with murder?

It will soon be 105 years since 45-year-old night marshal Sewell H. Burnett, of Osceola, was shot and killed in the discharge of his duties allegedly by two former prominent people in the community. Burnett was shot and killed while making his rounds at approximately 4:15 am., Sunday, June 15, 1919.

“The community was shocked early Sunday morning by the murder of night marshal Sewell H. Burnett, who was killed in the early morning in the discharge of his duties,” as stated in the June 20, 1919 edition of The Osceola Times.

It was a guest at the old Beall Hotel who heard the loud gunshot in the early hours of that summer morning coming from the direction of the old Mitchell Drug Store, now known as the corner of Walnut and Hale Street. The guest, known as Mr. Green, rushed outside to find Burnett lying on the sidewalk dead.

“He was a man devoid of fear, and made a model officer. He had the reputation of being one of the best officers in the state, and enjoyed the respect and confidence of all who knew him,” The Times stated in the June 20, 1919 article.

Burnett and his wife, Sallie, had two girls, Etta and Maguerite.

Violet Cemetery held one of its largest crowds the week following Burnett’s murder, as funeral services were conducted.

However, there was still much to be determined about Burnett’s death.

Hugh Lovewell and G.L. Coleman were later arrested and charged with the crime.

“Both Lovewell and Coleman are men of family and this is the first trouble of a serious nature that either of them has ever had so far as is known,” the article stated.

Lovewell appeared in court numerous times, the first of which occurred October 24, 1919 where he was issued a $20,000 bond. His second appearance in court was set for Nov. 5.

The case against the two prominent men of the community was based largely on the evidence of Coleman who testified Lovewell killed Burnett.

“At 9:00 Saturday morning the jury reported that it would be impossible for them to agree on a verdict and they were discharged by Judge Johnston,” The Times mentioned in an article in the November 14, 1919 edition.

“...The jury stood nine for acquittal and three for conviction,” the article further stated.

During Lovewell’s second trial, both parties were said to have made brilliant pleas, making it difficult for the jury.

“The result of the trial showed that the jury did not believe Coleman was telling the truth,” The Times published on the front page of the March 19, 1920 edition reflecting back on the past trial.

Lovewell’s third and final appearance in court saw the case of the State of Arkansas vs. Hugh Lovewell charged with the murder of Burnett to be dismissed.

Therefore, Burnett’s murder remains unsolved today.

Sandra Brand is the editor of the NEA Town Courier and The Osceola Times. She may be reached by phone at 870-563-2615 or by email at brand@osceolatimes.com.