Kinston Daily Free Press – October 10, 1928
pg. 1

Raleigh, Oct. 10 – The death of Willie King, 20 , negro convict working in the Carolina Coal Company’s mine near Sanford, was entirely accidental and due to his carelessness and disobedience, according to prison officials, following a thorough investigation. King was killed Monday night when he came in contact with a live wire. Investigation disclosed that he was riding on the wrong side of the coal cars, in express violation of instructions, and that this was what caused him to come in contact with a live wire.