Atlanta Journal Sept. 26, 1969 1A

Jury Speeds Probe

of Brutality Case

By John York

The pace of the Fulton County Grand Jury's brutality probe speeded up Friday. More witnesses were called to tell what they know about an alleged beating and television films of a hippy-police clash was being assembled for jurors to watch.

The grand jury, which also is carrying on its more routine business, was to hear from four policemen Friday as investigation continues over charges that five officers beat up two prisoners earlier this month.

The prisoners already have testified, and Dist. Atty. Lewis R. Slaton said that "additional witnesses whose names have not been released have also been heard from."

He termed the station captain's office, the area at police headquarters where the beating allegedly took place, as "A beehive of activity” and said it has. been difficult to determine who among the score of people – prisoners, bondsmen, police and so forth- present might have pertinent information.

We’re also trying to find anyone who might have been in the detention area who has not come forward and given a statement,” Slaton said, adding that he still withheld release of the name of anyone who asks to remain anonymous.

REGARDING last Sunday's disturbance at a rock music concert here in Piedmont Park,

Slaton said that television news films of the melee, between police and hippies are being spliced together for a grand jury showing tentatively set for next Friday.

"We have accumulated approximately 200 statements from people attending the concert in preparation for getting grand jury witnesses," he added.

These statements, like those gathered in earlier investigation, are being studied to determine what persons should be summoned to the jury. No has been called yet regarding the park disturbance, he said.

"There will be another series of witnesses next week on the jail investigation,” Slaton said.

So far, none of the police officers allegedly involved in the beating have been called.

Officers to testify Friday include Capt. Howard Baugh who has been investigating the charges, and Dewitt Smith who brought the accusation against his fellow officers. The other two policemen testifying were present at the time, Slaton said.