Box 13, Folder 21, Document 41

Box 13, Folder 21, Document 41

A

ALL-CITIZENS
REGISTRATION COMMITTEE

334 AUBURN AVENUE, NORTHEAST

ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30303 - TELEPHONE 522-1420

<>
March 8, 1967

Honorable Lewis R. Slaton
Solicitor Superior Court
Fulton County

136 Pryor S. W.

Atlanta, Georgia

Dear Mr. Slaton:

Pursuant to telephone conversations with your office
and Mr. Paul Ginsberg the representative of your office
assigned to consult with us, and pursuant to instructions
of your office, we hereby formally request an Inquiry by
the Grand Jury into the deaths of tenants of the Perry
Homes Housing Project due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Following the suggestions of your office, We have checked
Police Department and Coroner reports. We have asked
Mayor Ivan Allen to also request reports. After review-
ing the reports in the Mayor's office and the Coroner's
office, as compared to information brought to our attention
by concerned citizens of the Perry Homes Community we
suggest the following:

1. Thatappropriate officials of the Atlanta Housing
Authority be questioned regarding possible negligence in
the maintenance of heating system of Perry Homes Apartments.

2. Call in the entire employee staff of Perry Homes
for questioning, including employees now terminated but were
employed on or after January 1, 1965. We have been informed
that Mr. Claude Bates complained on more than one occasion
about sickening fumes to the Perry Homes Management Office,
without corrective action. Mr. and Mrs. Claude Bates were
fatal victims of carbon monoxide poisoning on February 3, 1965.

3. Suggest that Mr. Charles Kemp, brother of Mrs. Josie
Callier, victim, whose body was discovered Saturday, February
25 (died Thursday, February 23rd), along with three children
all dead, cause given as carbon monoxide poisoning. Mr. Kemp
lives in Perry Homes and he has information that allegedly
suggests questionable motives and conduct of ex-husband of
victim regarding deaths.

4. Suggest ex-husband Eddie Callier be questioned. He
reportedly previously visited family every Thursday or.Friday.

VOTELESS PEOPLE (8S A HELPLESS PEO P EVE
Page 2
Honorable Lewis R. Slaton
3-8-67

He is suppose to have visited ex-wife on her job Thursday
where they had an argument. Same Eddie Callier has retained
Attorney Joe Salem for purpose of filing suit against the
Atlanta Housing Authority.

Our interest here is that somehow too many people appear
to consider Negro homicides very lightly. The death of this
family is an Atlanta tragedy and every effort should be made
to prevent future occurrence. If it was caused by negli-
gence, the case should bring shame to all of us and is "City-
Scandal." If there is "foul play" the guilty should be
brought to justice.

We have made an extensive personal investigation and would
be happy to appear before the grand jury, especially to make
suggested reforms for preventive safety measures.

Very truly yours,
ATLANTA SUMMIT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Se Hill, Jr.
Co-Chairman
Ald. Q. V. Williamson
Co-Chairman
Rev. Samuel W. Williams
Co-Chairman

cc: Assistant Solicitor Paul Ginsberg
Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr.
J.-B. Blayton, Sr.

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