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Accused murderer Fred Stettler showing Capt. Bert Wallis money Stettler had stolen and hidden in a potato sack at his home

Description:
Swiss chauffeur Fred Stettler, accused of the arson murders of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Barbour, showing Capt. Bert Wallis of the police homicide (right) squad $34 in silver hidden in a potato sack at Stettler's home. Stettler confessed to stealing the money from the Barbours after murdering them with a heavy object and setting a timing device which would set the bodies on fireNote: text on the nitrate sleeves and handwritten on the negative likely transcribed "Bert Wallis" incorrectly as "Bert Wallace"
Date:
February 21, 1936
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Accused murderer Fred Stettler showing Capt. Bert Wallis money Stettler had stolen and hidden in a potato sack at his home

Accused murderer Helen Wills Love with Veda Sullivan and juror Mary Plettner at Love's trial, Los Angeles, 1937

Description:
Mary Plettner (left), juror for the Helen Wills Love (right) murder trial, and Vada Sullivan, apparently a court officer (center). Mrs. Plettner was excused from her juror duties when she was found to be drunk on grain alcohol. Judge Smith found Plettner in contempt of court but delayed her sentence until the next day because of her condition.
Date:
March 9, 1937
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Accused murderer Helen Wills Love with Veda Sullivan and juror Mary Plettner at Love's trial, Los Angeles, 1937

Accused murderer John Frank Reavis awaits the decision on his indictment, Los Angeles, February 28, 1940

Description:
John Frank Reavis (seated center), 26-year-old trombone player and candy salesman, in the court anteroom awaiting the jury’s decision to indict him in the murder of 17-year-old B-girl Alice “Jerry” Burns. With him are investigating officers in the case, Detective Lieutenant Miles Ledbetter (left) and Det. Lt. Lloyd Hurst (right), and Captain Edgar Edwards (center). Reavis was indicted and after trial received a second-degree sentence of five years to life in San Quentin. His eye and left hand are bandaged as the result of a fight he had prior to his arrest
Date:
February 28, 1940
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Accused murderer John Frank Reavis awaits the decision on his indictment, Los Angeles, February 28, 1940

Ann Forst sits with an unidentified man at the county jail after being charged with operating a prostitution ring, Los Angeles, 1940

Description:
Ann Forst shields her face from the press and sits with an unidentified man at the county jail. Forst was indicted for operating a forced prostitution ring that covered 11 states including California, Arizona, Washington, and Nevada. The FBI estimated that more than 200 women were victims of the "white slave ring", as termed by the press.
Date:
April 23, 1940
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Ann Forst sits with an unidentified man at the county jail after being charged with operating a prostitution ring, Los Angeles, 1940

Ann Forst walks into county jail after being charged for operating a prostitution ring, Los Angeles, 1940

Description:
Ann Forst walks into the Los Angeles county jail covering her face. Forst was indicted for operating a forced prostitution ring that covered 11 states including California, Arizona, Washington, and Nevada. The FBI estimated that more than 200 women were victims of the "white slave ring", as termed by the press.
Date:
April 23, 1940
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Ann Forst walks into county jail after being charged for operating a prostitution ring, Los Angeles, 1940

Betty Hardaker, mother convicted of murdering her daughter, questioned by Dr. Paul De River, Los Angeles, 1940

Description:
Betty Flay Hardaker sits during questioning done by Dr. Paul De River, police psychiatrist, at the Los Angeles County Jail. Mrs. Hardaker was convicted of murdering her 5 year old daugher, Geraldine Hardaker, in a Montebello park washroom. The jury convicted her of committing the crime while of unsound mind.
Date:
February 23, 1940
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Betty Hardaker, mother convicted of murdering her daughter, questioned by Dr. Paul De River, Los Angeles, 1940

Cafe operator Agnes O'Brien on the witness stand during the liquor license bribe trial, Los Angeles, 1937

Description:
Cafe operator Agnes O'Brien who was a witness at the liquor license bribe trial. O'Brien testified that she had paid money to the Board of Equalization in the hopes of having her liquor license reinstated, but never received the reinstated license. Defendants in the bribe trial included several high-ranking officials such as state board of equalization member William G. Bonelli and chief liquor control officer Merle Templeton.
Date:
March 1937
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Cafe operator Agnes O'Brien on the witness stand during the liquor license bribe trial, Los Angeles, 1937

Charles H. Hope entering court for his joint murder trial with Robert S. James, Los Angeles, 1936

Description:
Ex-sailor Charles H. Hope entering court for his joint trial with Robert S. James. Hope aided James in the murder of Mary Emma James, by supplying deadly rattlesnakes for James and then helping him carry his wife's body outside and into a fish pool. He was defended by Deputy Public Defender William H. Sanson.
Date:
[circa May 7, 1936]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Charles H. Hope entering court for his joint murder trial with Robert S. James, Los Angeles, 1936

Cowboy film extra Jerome "Blackjack" Ward, on trial for the murder of fellow extra Johnny Tyke in Gower's Gulch, Los Angeles, July 1940

Description:
Cowboy motion picture extra Jerome "Blackjack" Ward (right), on trial for the murder of fellow cowboy extra John Ainsworth Tyacke (Johnny Tyke) in Gower Gulch. Gower Gulch is the name given to the area near the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Gower Street where film extras hang out waiting for work; many of the nearby studios produce westerns so often actual working cowboys come here to break into the film business. Ward entered a plea of not guilty based on self defense and temporary insanity. He was ultimately set free after many witnesses attested to Tyacke's violent nature.
Date:
between July 15 and July 18, 1940
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Cowboy film extra Jerome "Blackjack" Ward, on trial for the murder of fellow extra Johnny Tyke in Gower's Gulch, Los Angeles, July 1940

Cult victim Delight Jewett with her father Norman Jewett and U.S. Attorney Fleet Palmer, Los Angeles, 1937

Description:
Delight Jewett, her father Norman Jewett, and U.S. Attorney Fleet Palmer. The seventeen-year-old Delight Jewett, a follower of cult leader Father Divine, was to be a witness in the case against fellow Divine follower John Wuest Hunt, who had molested Jewett under the pretense of immaculate conception. From left to right, Delight Jewett, Fleet Palmer, and Norman Jewett.
Date:
[circa April 19, 1937]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Cult victim Delight Jewett with her father Norman Jewett and U.S. Attorney Fleet Palmer, Los Angeles, 1937

Deputy Sheriff Bess Bailey sits with Betty Flay Hardaker who was convicted of murdering her daughter, Los Angeles, 1940

Description:
Deputy Sheriff Bess Bailey sits with Betty Flay Hardaker during the inquest conducted by Deputy Coroner Frank Monfort. Mrs. Hardaker was convicted of murdering her 5 year old daugher, Geraldine Hardaker, in a Montebello park washroom. The jury convicted her of committing the crime while of unsound mind.
Date:
February 23, 1940
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Deputy Sheriff Bess Bailey sits with Betty Flay Hardaker who was convicted of murdering her daughter, Los Angeles, 1940

Deputy Sheriff J. A. Dixon and Attorney Ross F. Wilkins shaking hands after clearing up a misunderstanding that led to a fist fight between the two men at a jury selection session, Los Angeles, 1940

Description:
Attorney Ross F. Wilkins apologizing to Deputy Sheriff J. A. Dixon for engaging him in a fist fight during a jury selection session for the William Bonelli liquor license bribe trial. The fight started when Dixon told Wilkins he could not ride down in the elevator with the newly selected jury. Wilkins resisted and started punching Dixon when Dixon went to physically remove Wilkins from the elevator. Wilkins, who was uninvolved with the trial, claimed that he resisted because Dixon was in plain clothes and he didn't realize that he was an officer. Wilkins and Dixon appeared friendly during the apology.
Date:
February 20, 1940
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Deputy Sheriff J. A. Dixon and Attorney Ross F. Wilkins shaking hands after clearing up a misunderstanding that led to a fist fight between the two men at a jury selection session, Los Angeles, 1940

Deputy Sheriff Mary Talbot sits with Betty Flay Hardaker who was convicted of murdering her daughter, Los Angeles, 1940

Description:
Deputy Sheriff Mary Talbot sits with Betty Hardaker in the courtroom during an inquest. Mrs. Hardaker was convicted of murdering her 5 year old daughter, Geraldine Hardaker, in a Montebello park washroom. The jury convicted her of committing the crime while of unsound mind.
Date:
February 24, 1940
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Deputy Sheriff Mary Talbot sits with Betty Flay Hardaker who was convicted of murdering her daughter, Los Angeles, 1940

Detective Lieutenant Ray Giese and District Attorney Buron Fitts with Thomas Edward Dugger who was on trial for assaulting three women, Los Angeles, 1935-1936

Description:
Detective Lieutenant Ray Giese and Los Angeles County District Attorney Buron Fitts examine soiled clothing possibly owned by Thomas Edward Dugger. Dugger, known as "Ape Man", was convicted of eleven felonies related to the robbery, kidnapings, and assault of three women. Dugger was indicted on April 4, 1935 and sentenced to death by the Supreme Court on February 18, 1936.
Date:
Between 1935-1936
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Detective Lieutenant Ray Giese and District Attorney Buron Fitts with Thomas Edward Dugger who was on trial for assaulting three women, Los Angeles, 1935-1936

Detectives Aldo Corsini and Thad Brown visit shooting victim Joseph E. Walsh, Los Angeles, 1935

Description:
Detectives Joseph Walsh (left) and Aldo Corsini (right) visit Joseph E. Walsh (center), who had been shot twice by his girlfriend Lorraine Hewitt at a dinner party. Walsh refused to identify Hewitt as the shooter and was charged with perjury, while Hewitt was convicted of attempted murder.
Date:
[circa October 29, 1935]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Detectives Aldo Corsini and Thad Brown visit shooting victim Joseph E. Walsh, Los Angeles, 1935

Director Roland West and R. H. W. Schafer at grand jury hearings into death of actress Thelma Todd, circa 1935

Description:
Taken as verdict is read into inquiry of the death of film actress Thelma Todd. Todd was found in the garage of film director West, her business partner and lover, dead from carbon monoxide poisoning. Schafer was the manager of a roadside cafe owned by West and Todd. Todd's death was eventually ruled an accident.
Date:
[December, 1935 - January, 1936]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Director Roland West and R. H. W. Schafer at grand jury hearings into death of actress Thelma Todd, circa 1935

District Attorney Buron Fitts and his sister Mrs. Berthal Gregory appear with their attorneys, Los Angeles, 1934

Description:
District attorney Buron Fitts and his sister Mrs. Berthal Gregory appear with their attorneys Joseph Scott and Jerry Giesler to contend the charges of perjury brought against them by the grand jury. From left to right, standing, Buron Fitts, Joseph Scott, Mrs. Berthal Gregory, and Jerry Giesler.
Date:
[circa November 2, 1934]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
District Attorney Buron Fitts and his sister Mrs. Berthal Gregory appear with their attorneys, Los Angeles, 1934

Dr. George K. Dazey and his third wife, Dorcas Dazey, at the trial where Dr. Dazey is accused of the murder of his second wife, Doris S. Dazey, Los Angeles, 1939-1940

Description:
Dr. George K. Dazey and his third wife, Dorcas Dazey, at the trial in which Dr. Dazey is accused of murdering his second wife, actress Doris S. Dazey, in 1935. Doris Dazey's death was originally believed to be suicide by monoxide poisoning. However, witnesses claimed that Dr. Dazey had been boasting about committing the "perfect crime" and a night watchman testified to witnessing Dazey carry a woman's body from the house to the garage on the night of the murder. Other factors complicating the trial were the paternity of Doris and George Dazey's child, Doris Dazey's possible mental illness, and false testimonies from some of the witnesses. Dr. Dazey was ultimately acquitted of the crime.
Date:
between December 3, 1939 and March 10, 1940
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Dr. George K. Dazey and his third wife, Dorcas Dazey, at the trial where Dr. Dazey is accused of the murder of his second wife, Doris S. Dazey, Los Angeles, 1939-1940

Dr. George K. Dazey and his third wife, Dorcas Dazey, at the trial where Dr. Dazey is accused of the murder of his second wife, Doris S. Dazey, Los Angeles, 1939-1940

Description:
Dr. George K. Dazey and his third wife, Dorcas Dazey, at the trial in which Dr. Dazey is accused of murdering his second wife, actress Doris S. Dazey, in 1935. Doris Dazey's death was originally believed to be suicide by monoxide poisoning. However, witnesses claimed that Dr. Dazey had been boasting about committing the "perfect crime" and a night watchman testified to witnessing Dazey carry a woman's body from the house to the garage on the night of the murder. Other factors complicating the trial were the paternity of Doris and George Dazey's child, Doris Dazey's possible mental illness, and false testimonies from some of the witnesses. Dr. Dazey was ultimately acquitted of the crime.
Date:
between December 3, 1939 and March 10, 1940
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Dr. George K. Dazey and his third wife, Dorcas Dazey, at the trial where Dr. Dazey is accused of the murder of his second wife, Doris S. Dazey, Los Angeles, 1939-1940

Elizabeth Klomp in court for shoplifting $10.45 of merchandise, Los Angeles, February 19, 1940

Description:
Mrs. Elizabeth Klomp, in Municipal Court for stealing three garments with a total value of $10.45 on Dollar Day. Ironically, at the time she stole the clothes, Mrs. Klomp had $27,009 in her purse, money she had withdrawn from the bank to make a real estate investment. In court, Mrs. Klomp pled guilty and asked for probation. She said she hadn’t meant to steal the clothes; she just got confused in the bustle of the sale. A month later, Mrs. Klomp was fined $100 and sentenced to five days in City Jail.
Date:
February 19, 1940
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Elizabeth Klomp in court for shoplifting $10.45 of merchandise, Los Angeles, February 19, 1940

Eva Sparks waits to testify during the murder trial for Dr. George K. Dazey, accused of murdering his wife, Los Angeles, 1940

Description:
Mrs. Eva Sparks waits to provide testimony during the murder trial for Dr. George K. Dazey who was accused of murdering his wife. Mrs. Dazey was found dead as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning and her death was originally ruled a suicide. However, Dr. Dazey was later indicted by a county grand jury for the murder of his wife. Dr. Dazey was eventually acquitted of the charge of slaying his wife.
Date:
February 14, 1940
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Eva Sparks waits to testify during the murder trial for Dr. George K. Dazey, accused of murdering his wife, Los Angeles, 1940

Former Ku Klux Klan Kleagle, Ray J. Schneider, in Klan robes at trial, Los Angeles, 1946

Description:
Former Ku Klux Klan Kleagle, Ray J. Schneider, in Klan robes at a trial in which the court was attempting to preemptively disrupt the reformation of the Klan and ultimately outlawed it in California. Schneider testified, along with other former officials, that he had had no involvement with the Klan since the war.
Date:
between April and May, 1946
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Former Ku Klux Klan Kleagle, Ray J. Schneider, in Klan robes at trial, Los Angeles, 1946

Frank Bincia in the back of a police car after being arrested due to an altercation with John Sullivan, Los Angeles, August 6, 1946

Description:
Frank Bincia, 29, in the back of a police car after being arrested in front of Pacific Press, Inc. because of an altercation with John Sullivan. Sullivan was picketing and Bincia was not, Sullivan claimed that Bincia assaulted him and Bincia asserted that Sullivan had called him "vile names"
Date:
August 6, 1946
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Frank Bincia in the back of a police car after being arrested due to an altercation with John Sullivan, Los Angeles, August 6, 1946

Herman E. Hubler and his wife Anna L. Hubler, who are accused of involvement in a theater bank night fraud scandal, Los Angeles, 1935

Description:
Herman E. Hubler and his wife Anna L. Hubler, who are accused of involvement in a theater bank night fraud scandal. The couple convinced numerous community theaters to use their 14-year-old daughter Blanche, known as Goldilocks, to pull the winning ticket in the bank night lottery. Goldilocks would palm a fake ticket and the winner would be one of the Hubler's accomplices, Alexander Szymanski or Roy Keown. The defendants admitted to winning thousands of dollars through the scandal.
Date:
between December 24 and 27, 1935
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Herman E. Hubler and his wife Anna L. Hubler, who are accused of involvement in a theater bank night fraud scandal, Los Angeles, 1935

Herman E. Hubler and his wife Anna L. Hubler, who are accused of involvement in a theater bank night fraud scandal, Los Angeles, 1935

Description:
Herman E. Hubler and his wife Anna L. Hubler, who are accused of involvement in a theater bank night fraud scandal. The couple convinced numerous community theaters to use their 14-year-old daughter Blanche, known as Goldilocks, to pull the winning ticket in the bank night lottery. Goldilocks would palm a fake ticket and the winner would be one of the Hubler's accomplices, Alexander Szymanski or Roy Keown. The defendants admitted to winning thousands of dollars through the scandal.
Date:
between December 24 and 27, 1935
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Herman E. Hubler and his wife Anna L. Hubler, who are accused of involvement in a theater bank night fraud scandal, Los Angeles, 1935

John Frank Reavis awaiting the decision on his indictment for the murder of Alice "Jerry" Burns, Los Angeles, February 28, 1940

Description:
John Frank Reavis, 26-year-old trombone player and candy salesman, in the court anteroom awaiting the jury’s decision to indict him in the murder of 17-year-old B-girl Alice “Jerry” Burns. Case investigating officers Det. Lt. Miles Ledbetter and Det. Lt. Lloyd Hurst are in the background. Reavis was indicted and after trial received a second-degree sentence of five years to life in San Quentin. His eye and left hand are bandaged as the result of a fight he had prior to his arrest
Date:
February 28, 1940
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
John Frank Reavis awaiting the decision on his indictment for the murder of Alice "Jerry" Burns, Los Angeles, February 28, 1940

Jurors for the murder trial of Albert Dyer in court, Los Angeles, 1937

Description:
Jurors George Ritchie, Ruth Roth and James D. Kelley in court for the murder trial of crossing guard Albert Dyer. Dyer had lured three Inglewood girls into the hills, where he strangled them with rope and his hands. He was eventually found guilty and executed. George Ritchie is in the foreground while Ruth Roth and James D. Kelley are in the background.
Date:
[circa August 12, 1937]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Jurors for the murder trial of Albert Dyer in court, Los Angeles, 1937

Lieutenant Colonel Norman Grimsditch during the murder trial for Dr. George K. Dazey, accused of murdering his wife, Los Angeles, 1940

Description:
Lieutenant Colonel Norman Grimsditch enters courtroom to provide testimony during the murder trial for Dr. George K. Dazey who was accused of murdering his wife. Mrs. Dazey was found dead as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning and her death was originally ruled a suicide. However, Dr. Dazey was later indicted by a county grand jury for the murder of his wife. Dr. Dazey was eventually acquitted of the charge of slaying his wife.
Date:
February 14, 1940
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Lieutenant Colonel Norman Grimsditch during the murder trial for Dr. George K. Dazey, accused of murdering his wife, Los Angeles, 1940

Louis Payne sits with father, Lucius F. Payne, in a courtroom, Los Angeles, June-July, 1934

Description:
Louis Payne sits with his father, Lucius F. Payne, and an unidentified man after being charged for the murder of his mother and brother. Louis Rude Payne, 21 years of age, used a camping axe to kill his mother, 45-year-old Carrie L. Payne, and 15-year-old brother Robert in their Westwood mansion home.
Date:
between June and July 1934
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Louis Payne sits with father, Lucius F. Payne, in a courtroom, Los Angeles, June-July, 1934

Louis Rude Payne stands with detectives Wallis and Whitehead at his inquest, June 6, 1934

Description:
Louis Payne stands with Detective Joe Whitehead and Captain of Detectives H.J. Wallis on the day of his inquest, June 6, 1934.Louis Rude Payne, 21 years of age, used a camping axe to kill his mother, Carrie L. Payne, and 15-year-old brother Robert. Louis R. Payne turned himself in for the killings of his mother and brother four to five days after their deaths. When he turned himself in, police found on his person both a letter and a telegram addressed to his father Lucius Payne, a St. Louis businessman, confessing to the crime, apologizing for his actions, and explaning that he did not know what impulse it was that drove him to the murders.Payne was convicted of the two murders, but found to be insane at the time of the crimes. He was confined to psychiatric treatment at the Mendocino State Hospital at Talmadge, in Mendocino County, CA. His father stood by him throughout his trial and conviction.
Date:
June 6, 1934
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Louis Rude Payne stands with detectives Wallis and Whitehead at his inquest, June 6, 1934

Louis Rude Payne, with father Lucius Payne at his side, at his inquest for the murder of his mother and brother. June 6, 1934.

Description:
Louis Payne covers his face with his hands and his hankerchief at his inquest, with father Lucius F. Payne at his side.Louis Rude Payne, 21 years of age, used a camping axe to kill his mother, Carrie L. Payne, and 15-year-old brother Robert in their Westwood mansion home. Louis R. Payne turned himself in for the killings of his mother and brother four to five days after their deaths, at a Huntington Beach police station. When he turned himself in, detectives found on his person both a letter and a telegram addressed to his father Lucius Payne, a St. Louis businessman, confessing to the crime, apologizing for his actions, and explaning that he did not know what impulse it was that drove him to the murders.Payne was convicted of the two murders, but found to be insane at the time of the crimes. He was confined to psychiatric treatment at the Mendocino State Hospital at Talmadge, in Mendocino County, CA. His father stood by him throughout his trial and conviction.
Date:
June 6, 1934
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Louis Rude Payne, with father Lucius Payne at his side, at his inquest for the murder of his mother and brother. June 6, 1934.

Louis Rude Payne, with father Lucius Payne at his side, at his inquest for the murder of his mother and brother. June 6, 1934.

Description:
Louis Payne covers his face with his hands at his inquest for the murders of his mother and brother. He is comforted by his father, Lucius Payne.Louis Rude Payne, 21 years of age, used a camping axe to kill his mother, 45-year-old Carrie L. Payne, and 15-year-old brother Robert in their Westwood mansion home. Payne turned himself in for the killings of four to five days after their deaths, at a Huntington Beach police station. When he turned himself in, detectives found on his person both a letter and a telegram addressed to his father Lucius Payne, a St. Louis businessman, confessing to the crime, apologizing for his actions, and explaning that he did not know what impulse it was that drove him to the murders. Although he was questioned repeatedly, no motive for the murders was ever discovered, save for what Payne termed a force stronger than himself that compelled him to commit the crimes.Payne was convicted of the two murders, but found to be insane at the time of the crimes. He was confined to psychiatric treatment at the Mendocino State Hospital at Talmadge, in Mendocino County, CA. His father stood by him throughout his trial and conviction.
Date:
June 6, 1934
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Louis Rude Payne, with father Lucius Payne at his side, at his inquest for the murder of his mother and brother. June 6, 1934.

Louis Rude Payne, with father Lucius Payne at his side, at his inquest for the murder of his mother and brother. June 6, 1934.

Description:
Louis R. Payne sits with his face in his hands at his inquest for the murder of his mother and brother. His father, Lucius F. Payne, sits at his side.Louis Rude Payne, 21 years of age, used a camping axe to kill his mother, 45-year-old Carrie L. Payne, and 15-year-old brother Robert in their Westwood mansion home. Payne turned himself in for the killings of four to five days after their deaths, at a Huntington Beach police station. When he turned himself in, detectives found on his person both a letter and a telegram addressed to his father Lucius Payne, a St. Louis businessman, confessing to the crime, apologizing for his actions, and explaning that he did not know what impulse it was that drove him to the murders. Although he was questioned repeatedly, no motive for the murders was ever discovered, save for what Payne termed a force stronger than himself that compelled him to commit the crimes.Payne was convicted of the two murders, but found to be insane at the time of the crimes. He was confined to psychiatric treatment at the Mendocino State Hospital at Talmadge, in Mendocino County, CA. His father stood by him throughout his trial and conviction.
Date:
June 6, 1934
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Louis Rude Payne, with father Lucius Payne at his side, at his inquest for the murder of his mother and brother. June 6, 1934.

Murder suspect Robert S. James listening to an unidentified lawyer as he sits on the witness stand, Los Angeles, 1936

Description:
An unidentified lawyer approaching Robert S. James as he sits in the witness stand. A map of his home is visible behind him. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Date:
[circa May 1936]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Murder suspect Robert S. James listening to an unidentified lawyer as he sits on the witness stand, Los Angeles, 1936

Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a map of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Description:
Robert S. James sitting in the witness stand with a map of his home behind him. An unidentified man is visible in front of him. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Date:
[circa May 1936]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a map of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a map of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Description:
Robert S. James sitting in the witness stand with a map of his home behind him. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Date:
[circa May 1936]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a map of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a map of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Description:
Robert S. James sitting in the witness stand with a map of his home behind him. An unidentified man is visible in front of him. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Date:
[circa May 1936]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a map of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a map of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Description:
Robert S. James sitting in the witness stand with a map of his home behind him. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Date:
[circa May 1936]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a map of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a map of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Description:
Robert S. James sitting in the witness stand with a map of his home behind him. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Date:
[circa May 1936]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a map of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Description:
Robert S. James sitting in the witness stand with a plan of his home behind him. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Date:
[circa May 1936]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Description:
Robert S. James sitting in the witness stand with a map of his home behind him. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Date:
[circa May 1936]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Description:
Robert S. James sitting in the witness stand with a map of his home behind him. An unidentified man is visible in front of him. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Date:
[circa May 1936]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Description:
Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a map of his house behind him. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Date:
[circa May 1936]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Description:
Robert S. James sitting in the witness stand with a plan of his home behind him. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Date:
[circa May 1936]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Description:
Robert S. James sitting in the witness stand with a plan of his home behind him. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Date:
[circa May 1936]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Description:
Robert S. James sitting in the witness stand with a map of his home behind him. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Date:
[circa May 1936]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Description:
Robert S. James sitting in the witness stand with a map of his home behind him. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Date:
[circa May 1936]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Description:
Robert S. James sitting in the witness stand with a plan of his home behind him. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Date:
[circa May 1936]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Description:
Robert S. James sitting in the witness stand with a map of his home behind him. An unidentified man is visible in front of him. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Date:
[circa May 1936]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Description:
Robert S. James sitting in the witness stand with a plan of his home behind him. An unidentified man is visible in front of him. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Date:
[circa May 1936]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Description:
Robert S. James sitting in the witness stand with a plan of his home behind him. An unidentified man is visible in front of him. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Date:
[circa May 1936]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Description:
Robert S. James sitting in the witness stand with a map of his home behind him. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Date:
[circa May 1936]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Description:
Robert S. James sitting in the witness stand with a plan of his home behind him. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Date:
[circa May 1936]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Murder suspect Robert S. James sitting on the witness stand with a plan of his house behind him, Los Angeles, 1936

Murder suspect Robert S. James standing between two unidentified men in court, Los Angeles, 1936

Description:
Robert S. James standing between two unidentified men in court. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Date:
[circa May 1936]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Murder suspect Robert S. James standing between two unidentified men in court, Los Angeles, 1936

Murder suspect Robert S. James standing between two unidentified men in court, Los Angeles, 1936

Description:
Robert S. James standing between two unidentified men in court. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Date:
[circa May 1936]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Murder suspect Robert S. James standing between two unidentified men in court, Los Angeles, 1936

Murder suspect Robert S. James standing between two unidentified men in court, Los Angeles, 1936

Description:
Robert S. James standing between two unidentified men in court. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
Date:
[circa May 1936]
Resource Type:
still image
Collection:
Los Angeles Daily News Negatives
Murder suspect Robert S. James standing between two unidentified men in court, Los Angeles, 1936