Paul R Roberts

It appears that Paul Roberts lived life on the edge. From family, of doctors and lawyers he seemed to find a way to spurn the priviledges that he had. From one incident, perhaps the killing of the "negro" mentioned in one article, he spent some time in prison around 1908. By 1910, he was living with or married to "Ada Roberts," who had two sons. Shortly thereafter he embarked on the following tragic venture. Perhaps his sister Hettie (Henretta) understood him best as he was living with her family in the 1900 census and she may have been the sister to accompany his body from Kansas.

From https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/179510962/paul-roberts:

Unmarked Grave?

Obit and news articles from Farmerville Gazette
(Union Parish Library Newspaper Archives)

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Roberts Body at Home

Bernice, La., May 21 - The body of Paul Roberts, who was convicted of murder in Alma, Kansas, and who is said to have committed suicide in his cell, arrived here yesterday after noon, accompanied by his sister and other relatives. The body was immediatedly transferred to the residence of the deceased's father, Judge W. R. Roberts, whence funeral services will be conducted this morning at 10 o'clock. Rev. W. O. Bennett of Jennings will be in charge.

Accorging to reports of friends, there seems to be some mystery regarding the true agency that caused Roberts' death. The body was detained for a short while to ascertain the true cause of death, the reults of which have not been given out.

Witnesses who attended the trial of Roberts from here have returned and say that it was a hard-fought case on account of the prominence of the men involved. In all the state had about fifty-six witnesses, several coming from Louisiana and Ark.

From the testimony of the witnesses that went from here, Roberts last fall, before leaving here for Kansas, said that he had a letter in his pocket from Walter Mullens, and as Mullens was in trouble, he was going up and help him out, hinting that there was gain in it for himself.

Freed at First Trial

The next heard of Roberts was some weeks later when it was learned that he was in a Kansas prison charged with the killing of Anthony King, who was found dead early one morning in his restaurant.

It is said from testimony of witnesses that before the death of king, Roberts was seen in the company of Mullens at Junction City, Kans., Mullens' home; that at one time he used his buggy and horse to drive over to the little town of Alta Vista, the home of King, and while there represented himself as an agent of the government wanting to buy mules. Later he worked in the quarries there, during which time he made inquiry concerning King.

On finding Kings body, Roberts, a stranger at Alma, was arrested as a suspect. Failing to give a satisfactory account of his whereabouts on the night of the murder, he was confied without bail, charged with the killing. It is said Mullens at the time came to his relief by employing for him the best legal talent to be had. After being confined several months the cases was called for trial, dismissed and Roberts given his freedom, only to be immediately rearrested. Mullens, it is said , was at this point brought into the affair by being arrested and charged as an accomplisce to the killing.

Prominently Connected

The trouble by which the state connects Mullens with the case, it is said, started some years back, at which time King was on the police force of Junction City, Kansas, and in some way became involved with Mullens, using his club at the time, which resulted in Mullens being much used up. During the trial of Roberts, it is said, one witness testified that Mullens hand offered him a sum of money two years ago if he would kill King.

It is said that from the first, the state suspected Roberts as being in the employ of Mullens, and that it left nothing to prove the closeness that existed between the two since boyhood. Mullens at one time resided in Ruston, LA, also in Junction City, Ark. Roberts has always resided in this state. He was a son of Judge W. R. Roberts of this place, and a cousin to Attorney Robert Roberts, of Minden, La.

It is said Walter Mullens will at a later date stand trial as accomplice.

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The above was not Paul Roberts' first issue with the law and the death of someone. From another Famerville Gazette publication - date unknown, but before 1913:

Mr. Paul Roberts, who lives near Shiloh, was brought to town Wednesday night and lodged in jail with having killed a negro the first part of last week near Junction City. As in every case there are two sides to the statement that comes to us. There was but one shot fired and the ball penetrated the heart of the negro killing him instantly. Roberts claims that the killing was accidentally done. It is very likely he will be given a preliminary hering before Judge Barksdale either the present or next week.