Extracted from The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson, MS)
Tuesday, March 7, 1961

Leake Man Shoots Self

CARTHAGE -- A Leake County farmer's body was found in a pond Monday on a farm owned [by] Hillery D. Jones, and a coroner's jury ruled that death was by his own hands.

Officers identified the man as Jim Allen, 61, of the Crossroads community about 13 miles southwest of Carthage.

Mrs. Allen said he left home after eating breakfast and when he did not return at noon for dinner, she began to search. Later neighbors and officers joined the hunt.

His body was found by W. R. Allen and E. L. Dennis in the shallow pond near the bank.

Allen had been shot once in the right temple by a 22 rifle found on the bank. He fell backwards into the water. Seven cartridges were still in his trousers' pockets.

His shirt, billfold, and other personal things were found under a nearby tree where he had apparently placed them, officers said.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete. He leaves his wife and daughter.