Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, August 5, 1948, Page 1:

“Rooker Cornett Shot To Death By Policeman John Freeman On Street Thursday Evening---Rooker Cornett, 36-year-old local restaurant manager, was shot to death by Policeman John Freeman on Thursday evening, just south of the public square.

Officer Freeman went to the county jail immediately after the shooting and voluntarily surrendered to Deputy Sheriff Clyde Hyatt. He turned his cap and pistol over to Mayor Gene Sheets. The policeman made no statement.

It is reported that the dead man had had trouble with Policeman Garrett Anderson earlier in the day, and Officer Freeman had sworn out a warrant charging him with carrying a pistol. The two policemen approached him as he sat in his car, parked on the main street, and he backed the car into the street, Policeman Freeman walking with the car, then was starting out the street southward when the shooting occurred. The car ran into a car and truck, but kept within the street until it ran into a tree near the Methodist Church and was wrecked.

It is said the policemen were attempting to place him under arrest on a warrant, and the shooting was in no way connected with the election.

Mr. Cornett is survived by his wife, Mrs. Tommie Joines Cornett; three children, Darrell, Barbara Jean and Peggy Ann; one brother, Thomas W. Cornett of Lenoir City; three sisters, Mrs. Estelle Burger of Etowah, Mrs. Mabel Bowers of Englewood and Mrs. Edith Hampton of Madisonville.

No funeral plans had been made at time of going to press.”

Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, August 11, 1948, Page 4:

“Funeral Services Held For Rooker Cornett---Funeral services for H.R. “Rooker” Cornett, age 36, who died Thursday, August 5, were held at First Baptist Church at 2 p.m. Saturday, Rev. E.J. Ingle officiating.

Burial was in City Cemetery. He is survived by his wife; three children, Darrell, Barbara and Peggy; three sisters, Mrs. Estelle Burger of Delano; Mrs. Mabel Bowers of Englewood and Mrs. Edith Hampton of near Madisonville; one brother, Woodrow Cornett of Lenoir City.”

Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, August 18, 1948, Page 2:

“Rucker Cornett---Funeral services for Rucker Cornett, 36, who died August 5, were held at the First Baptist Church on Saturday at 2 p.m., with the Rev. E.J. Ingle officiating. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy.

He is survived by his wife; three children, Darrell, Barbara and Peggy; also three sisters and one brother.

Burial was in the City Cemetery.”

“Card of Thanks---We wish to express our sincere thanks to our friends for their kind expressions of sympathy during the death of our dear husband and father; also for the beautiful floral offerings, to the Biereley Funeral Home and to Rev. E.J. Ingle.” ---Mrs. Rucker Cornett and Children.

Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, January 12, 1949, Page 1:

“As we go to press the trial of John Freeman, charged with killing Rucker Cornett, is in progress.”

Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, January 19, 1949, Page 1:

“John Freeman, former Madisonville policeman, was found guilty of manslaughter, with a sentence of two years in the penitentiary, on a charge of killing Rucker Cornett.

The jury brought its verdict before Judge Hicks and the jury late Thursday.

The jury, unable to reach a decision, left the courtroom three times before the manslaughter verdict was brought in.”