The Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, W. Va.
Thursday Morning, July 11, 1912

FLOYD ALLEN ON STAND SOBS LIKE A CHILD

Rehearses Gruesome Tragedy at Hillsville in Which He Was One Of Principal Acts.

Wytheville, Va., July 10. --In the trial of Claude Swanson Allen, the prisoner's father, Floyd Allen, under conviction of murder in the first degree with the electric chair awaiting him, and one of the leaders of the clan that terrorized Hillsville, was put on the stand today by the defense, and sobbing like a little child, he rehearsed the grusome tragedy in which he was one of the principal actors.

His wife was present in the court and witnessed the complete breakdown of her husband, who was testifying in order to save his son from a fate similar to that to which he has been sentenced by a jury of his peers.

He told substantially the same story as detailed by him in his own behalf, and in the former trial of his son convicted of murder in the second degree for the killing of Judge Massie, that he shot in self-defense.

Four other witnesses were examined by the defense.

The case may reach the jury by noon tomorrow.