Hickman had confessed to the kidnap for ransom and murder of 12-year-old Marion Parker. It is not clear as to whether this photo was taken during Hickman’s post-extradition arraignment in December of 1927, or his trial in 1928. Hickman was executed at San Quentin, October 19, 1928.
Standing across from photographers, from left to right: defense lawyer Jerome Walsh, William Edward Hickman, assistant jailer Roy Bogle, and Deputy Sheriff Claude Peters.
Photograph of (l to r): Assistant Jailer Roy Bogle, Jailer Frank Dewar, Deputy Sheriff Claude Peters, William Edward Hickman at center, facing Undersheriff Eugene W. Biscailuz. The two remaining men in the background are unidentified.
The grand juror for the first time is taking into serious consideration that late actress Thelma Todd may have taken her own life. Special agent Claude Peters of the telephone company produced documents regarding the mysterious phone call Todd made from the Trocadero to New York in the last hours of her life.
Hickman, standing in the center of the photograph, awaits a sentence from Judge Trabucco. Seated, on the left, is Deputy District Attorney Forrest F. Murray. Behind him is defense attorney Jerome Walsh and seated behind them is Deputy Sheriff Claude Peters. Attorney Richard Cantillon stands to Hickman's right.