SEIZES RIFLE

During the quarrel, it was reported, he seized a 30-30-caliber rifle and opened fire. William Helton, his wife, Howard Helton and Mrs. Collett Falling mortally wounded. Two other members of the family also were wounded.

Fleeing from the Helton home, Collett was reported to have gone to the Borders home, about three miles away. Borders and his wife were asleep.

Bordes and his wife were the parents of Julian Bordes, Jr. Postmaster of Crab Orchard. Another son is a member of the Kentucky State patrol. It was reported that the latter had taken part in a raid on Collett’s home, several months ago. It was believed that revenge was a possible motive for the slaying of the Brodes couple.

SON IS PATROLMAN

The Borders home is about two miles up the creek from the Helton home. A son, Burgin Borders is a State patrolman who had been a member of a searching party that had been hunting Collett in connection with a robbery.

The elder Borders was found in his night clothing in the rear yard of his home, where is was assumed he was trying to escape Collett’s murderous rage. Mrs. Borders was shot while asleep.

Howard Helton, who was alive when officers reached the home, died in a hospital at Danville.

As soon as word of the massacre got around, Sheriff Clark organized tow posses, which picked up Collett’s trail in Brodhead and closed in on him. Gen. H> H> Denhardt ordered a detachment of State troops out to aid in the hunt. Deputy Sheriff’s Beeman Sigmon, M. L. Doan; chief of Police Walter Bowers, Jailer C W Phillips and others were in the posse that ran Collett to his death.

CORNERED IN CABIN

Six hours after the massacre at the Helton home, Collett was cornered by pursuers in a cabin on the outskirts of Brodhead, seven miles from Crab Orchard, where he had taken refuge in a cabin. Seeing escape cut off, Collett turned his weapon on himself and fired a shot through his head. Earlier in the day before the multiple killings had become known, Collett had eaten breakfast at a Brodhead restaurant.

The massacre was attributed to Collett’s desperation in attempting to escape from Rockcastle County offices. In order to make his get away he wanted to sell some property he owned by his wife refused to sign the deed, presumably on advice of the Heltons.

Copper Creek Massacre

150 Miles from City

Copper Creek scene of the Kentucky slaying is two miles from Crab Orchard, Ky., in Rockcastle County. It is approximately 130 miles from Cincinnati due south.

Many Cincinnatians are acquainted with this locality as Crab Orchard Springs is a favorite resort for weekend outings. Riding horses at the resort have carried many Cincinnatians past the scene of the massacre.