1963-01-01

Counts Cite Dewey Hicks

by SELDEN HALE
Staff Wiriter

Amarillo home builder Dewey A. Hicks, 45, of 4802 Olsen was charged Tuesday with two counts of murder in the slayings of an Amarillo man and his son Killed in the 3 am. Tuesday shooting were Joseph Richard Damron. 73 , and Joseph William Damron. 44 both of 3316 Kingston Road

Hicks is being held in Randall Counts jail without bond pending an examining trial tentatively set for 10 am. Friday

Both father and son were shot once at close range with a 44 caliber Magnum rifle as they stood just inside the front door of their Kingston Road home.

The younger Damron died on the carpeted floor of his home and his father died in an ambulance en route to Northwest Texas Hospital.

Hicks was taken into custody by Potter County Sherriff's Deputy Lonnie Bailey.

Hicks gave Randall County Sheriff L.S. Slim Johnston a signed statement admitting that he shot the two Damrons.

Im sorry about the old man. but I'm proud I Killed Joe. He's had it coming for a long time," said Hicks.

According to the builder. the shooting followed a two-year feud between the younger Damron and Hicks.

Randall county authorities said Hicks is being held without bond because he refused to waive an examining trial following advice of his attorney, George McCarthy.

Because of a first-of-the-year shift in district attorneys in Randall County, the examining trial will not be held until Friday.

Records show police received a phone call at 3:01 am Tuesday from Joseph William Damron, who told police Hicks was trying to break into his home.

"If he comes in here there's going to be a killing. If he comes into my house I'm going to kill him," Damron said.

"Police Sgt James Roach was sent to the home where he found both of the slain men lying on the carpeted floor of the home just inside the front door."