Sooner’s Death Due to Beating
 

VINITA, Aug. 30—Authorities disclosed Monday that Ream Payton, 54-year-old Vinita cattle buyer whose body was found in a field near here last Friday, had been beaten to death.
Earlier reports had described a wound in Payton’s head as from a gunshot, but County Attorney Louis Thomas said it had been established by autopsy that the victim was clubbed in the head from behind.
One man is in custody in connection with the investigation. Several have been questioned, but no charges have been filed.
Authorities revealed they learned a café operator last week had been given $1,500 in $100 bills for safe-keeping, and they were seeking to determine if any of the money had been received by Payton when he cashed a $2,200 check here a week ago Saturday, the last time he was seen alive.
Thomas said Payton had been robbed but that it wasn’t certain that was the sole motive in the killing.
Funeral services for Payton, who left a wife and two children, were held Monday at Strang in neighboring Mayes county. Burial was at Spavinaw cemetery.
 

From The Oklahoma, 8/31/1954

Donated by: Emily Jordan

09-07-2007


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