 The defense attempted to show that Deputy Clerk Goad shot Elizabeth Ayers in his exchange of fire with the Allens, a charge Goad denied.Years later, an allegation surfaced that Deputy Clerk H. C. Quesinberry confessed on his deathbed to starting the shooting; two men swore an affidavit to that effect in 1967 (for which each man was reportedly paid $25).Others consider that hearsay affidavit, made years after the event transpired, worthless, and that Floyd Allen probably began the shooting.