Sneaky Suspect’s Hearing Turns into a Lockdown

It was a tense day in the 47th district courtroom in Amarillo, Texas, as the preliminary hearing for J. Beal Sneed got underway on September 27, 1912. Sneed, accused of the brutal murder of Al G. Boyce Jr. on September 14, was in for a surprise. The courtroom was transformed into a fortress, with women spectators being searched for firearms at the door, and a stern woman warden keeping a watchful eye on the crowd. The general search order, issued by Judge J.T. Browning, had the courtroom buzzing with activity, despite the fact that nothing incriminating was found.