Photograph was taken during the trial of Luella Pearl Hammer and Howard Von Dorn (left), who were charged with the kidnapping of Mary B Skeele, wife of a USC professor.
Howard Van Dorn eventually confessed to kidnapping, leading to the convictions of both he and Luella Pearl Hammer. Both received life sentences. Hammer was unsuccessful in her plea of insanity.
This photograph appears with Los Angeles Times article, February 10, 1933, Net Tightens on Couple in Skeele Kidnap Case, Ransom Note Typewriter Found; Man Suspect Ex-Convict; Grand Jury Action Sought
Mary B. Skeele, wife of Walter Skeele, the Professor of Organ and Dean of the College of Music at the University of Southern California was kidnapped in 1933. The ransom was paid and Mrs. Skeele was returned unharmed. A former student was found guilty of the crime.
Luella Pearl Hammer, in jacket and hat, holding handkerchief, hand to face, seated, in carpeted room, with two men standing near bookcase and doorway in background
Mary B. Skeele, wife of Walter Skeele, the Professor of Organ and Dean of the College of Music at the University of Southern California was kidnapped in 1933. The ransom was paid and Mrs. Skeele was returned unharmed. A former student, E. H. Van Dorn, and Luella Pearl, were found guilty of the crime.
Howard Van Dorn eventually confessed to kidnapping, leading to the convictions of both he and Luella Pearl Hammer. Both received life sentences. Hammer was unsuccessful in her plea of insanity.
Photograph was taken during the trial of Luella Pearl Hammer and Howard Von Dorn, who were charged with the kidnapping of Mary B Skeele, wife of a USC professor.
