A photograph of Chief of Beverly Hills Police Charles C. Blair, District Attorney Buron Fitts, and lawyer Ernest E. Noon. The three men were involved in the search for kidnapping victim William F. Gettle and the prosecution of the kidnappers after Gettle's safe recovery.Charles C. Blair was the first Chief of Police of Beverly Hills, serving from 1927-1942. Ernest E. Noon was the attorney of the Gettle family. He was intimitely involved with the attempts to recover William F. Gettle, directing via the Los Angeles Times that the kidnappers send any ransom requests to him, as Mrs. Fleeta Gettle was ill with nervous prostration after the kidnapping of her husband and under medical supervision.Buron Fitts was the district attorney of Los Angeles from 1928-1940. Fitts was in charge of co-ordinating the police agencies in their search for Gettle and his kidnappers.
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.
Thomas Edward 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.
Thomas Edward 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.
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.
Grand Jury member Clifford E. Clinton in the courtroom where he is charged with contempt for refusing to reveal the source of his information in a vice and gambling investigation. Three others, including attorney A. Brigham Rose, grand jury member Harry L. Ferguson, and Rose's legal secretary Pauline Huff were also charged. Superior Judge Wilson dropped the charges, calling them legally insufficient. An attempt to renew the citations of contempt was quickly abandoned when Rose, Clifford, Ferguson, and Huff finally took the stand to testify
Captain of Police Earle E. Kynette was charged with conspiracy to commit murder after the vehicle of Harry J. Raymond was bombed on January 14, 1938. Kynette was in charge of a special police intelligence unit that had been conducting surveillance on Raymond’s home from a nearby bungalow. Before the car bombing, Raymond had been conducting investigative work on Mayor Shaw and his possible connections with illegal gambling. Two other officers, Fred Browne and Roy J. Allen, connected with the intelligence unit were also charged with conspiracy to commit murder. However, Fred Browne was eventually acquitted. Kynette and Allen were both found guilty.
Police Chief James E. Davis testifying before the grand jury during the investigation into the bombing of the car of private investigator Harry Raymond. Police Captain Earle E. Kynette and his subordinate officers Roy J. Allen and Fred A. Browne were charged with the bombing. Kynette was in charge of a special police intelligence unit that had been conducting surveillance on Raymond’s home from a nearby bungalow. Before the car bombing, Raymond had been conducting investigative work on Mayor Shaw and his possible connections with illegal gambling.
Police Chief James E. Davis testifying before the grand jury during the investigation into the bombing of the car of private investigator Harry Raymond. Police Captain Earle E. Kynette and his subordinate officers Roy J. Allen and Fred A. Browne were charged with the bombing. Kynette was in charge of a special police intelligence unit that had been conducting surveillance on Raymond’s home from a nearby bungalow. Before the car bombing, Raymond had been conducting investigative work on Mayor Shaw and his possible connections with illegal gambling.
Cowboy motion picture extra Jerome "Blackjack" Ward kisses his wife Mickey Ward during his trial for the murder of fellow 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.
Cowboy film extra Jerome "Blackjack" Ward (beard, right) re-enacts his confrontation with fellow extra John Ainsworth Tyacke a.k.a. Johnny Tyke for Lieutenant W.A. Ellenson (left) and other police. Blackjack allegedly shot Tyke with a .45 in Gower Gulch, the name given to the area near the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Gower Street where film extras hang out waiting for work. Ward entered a plea of not guilty based on self defense and temporary insanity. He was ultimately set free after many witnesses attested to Tyke's violent nature.
Cowboy motion picture extra E.L. Jackson a.k.a. Yukon Jake demonstrates his involvement in the confrontation between fellow extras Jerome "Blackjack" Ward and John Ainsworth Tyacke a.k.a Johnny Tyke in Gower Gulch, the name given to the area near the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Gower Street where film extras hang out waiting for work. Yukon Jake attempted to intervene when Blackjack shot Tyke with a .45. Blackjack entered a plea of not guilty based on self defense and temporary insanity. He was ultimately set free after many witnesses, including Yukon Jake, attested to Tyke's violent nature.
Charles Hardaker at the inquest for his wife, Betty Flay Hardaker, who was accused of murdering their 5 year old daugther. Charles Hardaker went before a jury and Police Judge Paul G. McIver to testify about his wife's mental state. He told of many quarrels, seperations, and suicide attempts. Betty 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.
Charles Hardaker at the inquest for his wife, Betty Flay Hardaker, who was accused of murdering their 5 year old daugther. Charles Hardaker went before a jury and Police Judge Paul G. McIver to testify about his wife's mental state. He told of many quarrels, seperations, and suicide attempts. Betty 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.
Betty Flay Hardaker sits at the Los Angeles County Jail wearing boots, trousers, and a sport jacket. 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.
Betty Flay Hardaker sits 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.
The interior of the car District Attorney Buron Fitts was driving when he was shot in the elbow by a mystery assailant. A reward was immediately offered for the identity of the would-be assassin.
The bullets District Attorney Buron Fitts was shot with by a mystery assailant. A reward was immediately offered for the identity of the would-be assassin.
The scene in which District Attorney Buron Fitts was shot in the elbow by a mystery assailant. A reward was immediately offered for the would-be assassin's identity.
County grand jury member Clifford E. Clinton (far left) and Attorney A. Brigham Rose (middle) in the courtroom. Rose and Clinton, along with Clinton's fellow grand jury member Harry L. Ferguson and Rose's legal secretary Pauline Huff were charged with contempt when they allegedly withheld information regarding Clinton's investigation of vice and gambling in Los Angeles county. Superior Judge Wilson dropped the charges, calling them legally insufficient. An attempt to renew the citations of contempt was quickly abandoned when Rose, Clifford, Ferguson, and Huff finally took the stand to testify. Rose and Clinton were again together in the courtroom when private detective Harry Raymond was the victim of a car bomb. Raymond had been doing work for Rose and Clinton concerning a bankruptcy hearing.
(left to right) Police captain Clement Peoples, Sam Williams, and Sheriff Eugene Biscailuz tasting something with a large spoon at the Los Angeles County Jail.
Los Angeles District Attorney's investigator, Lloyd Yarrow, testifies in the bribery trial of George K. Thornton. Thornton, a California Board of Equalization officer, was charged with accepting money from Santa Barbara cafe owner Agnes O'Brien, for reinstatement of her liquor license.
Los Angeles District Attorney's investigator, Lloyd Yarrow, testifies in the bribery trial of George K. Thornton. Thornton, a California Board of Equalization officer, was charged with accepting money from Santa Barbara cafe owner Agnes O'Brien, for reinstatement of her liquor license.
Child-murderer Albert Dyer with his lawyers Ellery Cuff and William Neeley in court. Dyer lured three Inglewood girls to the hills, where he strangled them to death with his hands as well as rope. He was eventually found guilty and executed. From left to right, Albert Dyer, Ellery Cuff, and William Neeley.
Confessed child-murderer Albert Dyer in court. Dyer lured three Inglewood girls to the hills, where he strangled them to death with his hands as well as rope. He was eventually found guilty and executed.
Confessed child-murderer Albert Dyer in court. Dyer lured three Inglewood girls to the hills, where he strangled them to death with his hands as well as rope. He was eventually found guilty and executed.
Confessed child-murderer Albert Dyer in court. Dyer lured three Inglewood girls to the hills, where he strangled them to death with his hands as well as rope. He was eventually found guilty and executed.
22-year-old ex-Marine Nelson D. Boyer (center) with two policemen on the night they exhumed his 42-year-old wife's body from a shallow grave. Boyer confessed to murdering his wife Dorothy Doane Boyer by hitting her over the head with a dumbell on August 1, almost two months ago. Boyer said he was tired of his wife's nagging and that she would not allow him to divorce her. Boyer confessed to having premeditated the murder.
Juror Harold Harby 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.
Female spectator uses binoculars to view court proceedings during the trial of Police Captain Earle E. Kynette. Captain of Police Earle E. Kynette was charged with conspiracy to commit murder after the vehicle of Harry J. Raymond was bombed on January 14, 1938. Kynette was in charge of a special police intelligence unit that had been conducting surveillance on Raymond’s home from a nearby bungalow. Before the car bombing, Raymond had been conducting investigative work on Mayor Shaw and his possible connections with illegal gambling. Two other officers, Fred Browne and Roy J. Allen, connected with the intelligence unit were also charged with conspiracy to commit murder. However, Fred Browne was eventually acquitted. Kynette and Allen were both found guilty.
Deputy District Attorney Russell E. Parsons during the liquor license bribe trial in which several government officials are charged with involvement in a liquor license pay-off scandal to extort money from liquor retailers under threat of causing them to lose their liquor license
K.F. Dazey, father of Dr. George F. Dazey, with Mrs. Anne Warren. George Dazey is accused of the murder of his second wife, Doris S. Dazey. Doris's death was originally thought to be death by carbon monoxide poisoning, but after George Dazey started boasting to friends about committing the "perfect crime," suspicion turned toward him. Dazey was ultimately acquitted of the crime.
K.F. Dazey, father of Dr. George F. Dazey, with Mrs. Anne Warren. George Dazey is accused of the murder of his second wife, Doris S. Dazey. Doris's death was originally thought to be death by carbon monoxide poisoning, but after George Dazey started boasting to friends about committing the "perfect crime," suspicion turned toward him. Dazey was ultimately acquitted of the crime.
Hazel Bedford Glab (right), convicted of forging her fiance Albert Cheney's will, pictured with her attorney S.S. Hahn and friend Clara Steeger, who falsely signed the will as a witness. Cheney died in a vegas hotel room the night before he was to wed Glab. The forgery charges were brought against Glab by Cheney's daughter Catherine Cheney Taylor.
21-year-old Louis Rude Payne (right) with District Attorney Buron Fitts at an inquest about Payne's confessed murder of his mother and younger brother with an ax.
21-year-old Louis Rude Payne (right) with District Attorney Buron Fitts at an inquest about Payne's confessed murder of his mother and younger brother with an ax.
21-year-old Louis Rude Payne (right) with District Attorney Buron Fitts at an inquest about Payne's confessed murder of his mother and younger brother with an ax.
Paul Cline, executive secretary of the Communist Party in Los Angeles, at hearings for charges of Communist activity in the Los Angeles County State Relief Administration (S.R.A.). Cline was supenaed to appear before the "little Dies committee" which questioned several members of the S.R.A. The hearings lasted only one day and ended with a recommendation that action be taken against some of the witnesses for perjury, but no one was immediately fired.
East Los Angeles State Relief Administration (S.R.A.) director, Samuel J. Ayeroff at hearings for charges of Communist activity against several members of the L.A. County S.R.A. Ayeroff was named as an active member of the Young Communist League by one of its former organizers, George Bertholon. The hearings lasted only one day and ended with a recommendation that action be taken against some of the witnesses (including Ayeroff) for perjury, but no one was immediately fired
Maier (Maxie) Joskowitz, cafe owner and confessed front man in a liquor license pay-off plot involving at least six others, with his attorney Paul Angelillo during the trial
Maier (Maxie) Joskowitz, cafe owner and confessed front man in a liquor license pay-off plot involving at least six others, looking through a doorway during the trial
Mrs. Zella Jeffers being questioned on the witness stand in the courtroom of Judge Charles W. Fricke. She is accused of performing immoral acts with her husband, Reverend Joseph Jeffers, in front of guests in their home. Mrs. Jeffers claimed that on the night of her arrest she was drugged by neighbor Vincent Higgins, a District Attorney’s detective, and didn’t remember the events that were supposed to have taken place. A film reviewed by the prosecution showed Reverend and Mrs. Jeffers disrobing in front of their guests. Behind Mrs. Jeffers is a floor plan of her home, which she described for the jury.
Mrs. Zella Jeffers on the witness stand in the courtroom of Judge Charles W. Fricke. She is accused of performing immoral acts with her husband, Reverend Joseph Jeffers, in front of guests in their home. Mrs. Jeffers claimed that on the night of her arrest she was drugged by neighbor Vincent Higgins, a District Attorney’s detective, and didn’t remember the events that were supposed to have taken place. A film reviewed by the prosecution showed Reverend and Mrs. Jeffers disrobing in front of their guests. Behind Mrs. Jeffers is a floor plan of her home, which she described for the jury.
Mrs. Zella Jeffers on the witness stand in the courtroom of Judge Charles W. Fricke. She is accused of performing immoral acts with her husband, Reverend Joseph Jeffers, in front of guests in their home. Mrs. Jeffers claimed that on the night of her arrest she was drugged by neighbor Vincent Higgins, a District Attorney’s detective, and didn’t remember the events that were supposed to have taken place. A film reviewed by the prosecution showed Reverend and Mrs. Jeffers disrobing in front of their guests. Behind Mrs. Jeffers is a floor plan of her home, which she described for the jury.
Photograph of cowboy motion picture extra John Ainsworth Tyacke a.k.a. Johnny Tyke, who was murdered by fellow extra Jerome "Blackjack" Ward in Gower Gulch, the name given to the area near the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Gower Street where film extras hang out waiting for work. Allegedly, Blackjack shot Tyke with a .45, but many of the hundreds of Gower Gulch extras who came to the trial testified that Tyke had started the fight and was “doped up” at the time. Blackjack entered a plea of not guilty based on self defense and temporary insanity and he was ultimately set free.
Mrs. Elaine Huddle and Dean Farris, witnesses at the trial for the murder of gambler George (Les) Bruneman. Farris was a bartender at the cafe owned by Huddle's husband, where the murder took place. Charged with the killing is ex-convict Peter Pianezzi. Pianezzi allegedly shot Bruneman 16 times and then fatally shot Frank A. Greuzard, a cafe employee who tried to chase after him. Both Farris and Huddle positively identified Pianezzi as the murderer. The murder, which took place on October 25, 1937, is thought to have been gang-related. There were two trials for this case. The first ended in a hung jury, 9-3 for the acquittal of Pianezzi. In the second, Pianezzi received a life sentence for the two murders. Later, at age 80, Pianezzi received a pardon based on innocence.
Mrs. Elaine Huddle, witness at the trial for the murder of gambler George (Les) Bruneman. The murder took place at the cafe owned by Mrs. Huddle's husband. Charged with the killing is ex-convict Peter Pianezzi. Pianezzi allegedly shot Bruneman 16 times and then fatally shot Frank A. Greuzard, a cafe employee who tried to chase him down. Mrs. Huddle positively identifed Pianezzi as the murderer. The murder, which took place on October 25, 1937, is thought to have been gang-related. There were two trials for this case, the first ended in a hung jury, 9-3 for the acquittal of Pianezzi. In the second, Pianezzi received a life sentence for the two murders. Later, at age 80, Pianezzi received a pardon based on innocence.
Rose Pianezzi, who testifed on her son Peter Pianezzi's behalf at the first trial where he is charged with two murders. Allegedly, ex-convict Peter Pianezzi shot gambler George (Les) Bruneman 16 times in a cafe and then fatally shot cafe employee Frank A. Greuzard when he attempted to take down Pianezzi's license plate number. The murder, which occurred October 25, 1937, is thought to have been gang-related. The first trial ended with a hung jury, 9-3 for the acquittal of Pianezzi. In the second trial, Pianezzi received a life sentence for the murders. Later, at age 80, Pianezzi was pardoned based on innocence.
East Los Angeles State Relief Administration (S.R.A.) director, Samuel J. Ayeroff (center) at hearings for charges of Communist activity against several members of the L.A. County S.R.A. Ayeroff was named as an active member of the Young Communist League by one of its former organizers, George Bertholon. The hearings lasted only one day and ended with a recommendation that action be taken against some of the witnesses (including Ayeroff) for perjury, but no one was immediately fired. One of the men with Ayeroff in this photo may be his attorney, A.L. Wirin
Assemblyman Sam Yorty, chairman of the "little Dies committee" which questioned members of the Los Angeles County State Relief Administration (S.R.A.) on charges of Communist activity. The hearings lasted only one day and ended with a recommendation that action be taken against some of the witnesses for perjury, but no one was immediately fired.
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.
Swiss chauffeur Fred Stettler, accused of the arson murders of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Barbour, showing Det. Lt. Miles Ledbetter (center) and Capt. Bert Wallis of the police homicide squad (right) $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"
Bizarrely decorated clock belonging to Fred Stettler, a Swiss chauffeur accused of the murders of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Barbour. Stettler showed police $25 in bills hidden in the clock and confessed to having stolen the money from the Barbours after murdering the couple with a heavy object and setting the bodies on fire
Famed director and choreographer Busby Berkeley attending court to face three murder charges after he caused a car accident that resulted in fatalities after leaving a cocktail party. Witnesses reported smelling alcohol on Berkeley's breath at the time.
Famed director and choreographer Busby Berkeley sitting in court to face three murder charges after he caused a car accident that resulted in fatalities after leaving a cocktail party. Witnesses reported smelling alcohol on Berkeley's breath at the time.
Cowboy extra Tex Driscoll at an inquest for Jerome (Blackjack) Ward, who is charged with the murder of 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. Allegedly, Blackjack shot Tyke with a .45, but many of the hundreds of Gower Gulch extras who came to the inquest testified that Tyke had started the fight and was “doped up” at the time.
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.
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.
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.
Mrs. Nita Randall, acting as a witness in a murder trial. Mrs. Randall identifed a broken-off blade found in the body of 17-year-old Alice (Jerry) Burns as having been kept in the kitchen of her boarding house. One of her boarders, 25-year-old John Frank Reavis, is accused of the murder.
Typewritten note that reads: "Ramlow Myers REWA 10-year-old Mexican girl turned detective last night and caused the arrest of Harold B. Millard, 31-year-old oil operator, on a charge of child-stealing.She said her suspicions were aroused when she saw Millard take the girls--- both playmates of hers--- into his car at Seventh and Valencia streets and drive away. As he did so she jotted down the license number and gave it to police who traced it and arrested Millard a few hours later.Neither of the girls, one of whom is 13 and the other 14, had returned home early today, according to Det. Lt. A. M. Strand and Policewoman Mary Rose who are investigating the case.Millard gave his address as 3129 Josephine street, Lynwood.1.35 a.m."The note refers to Mildred Douglas and Donna (or Zelia K.) Thompson, who were reported missing. When called in for questioning Millard testified that he did pick up Douglas and Thompson but dropped them off when he realized how young they were. Millard reported that the girls told him they were running away from home. Girls fitting the description of Douglas and Thompson were seen in an Ontario auto camp one day later.
14-year-old Mildred Douglas, who, along with friend Donna (or Zelia K.) Thompson, was reported missing. A young girl reported seeing them get into a car with 31-year-old H. B. Millard. When called in for questioning Millard testified that he did pick up Douglas and Thompson but dropped them off when he realized how young they were. Millard reported that the girls told him they were running away from home. Girls fitting the description of Douglas and Thompson were seen in an Ontario auto camp one day later.
Deck of Tony Cornero’s newly refurbished gambling ship, the Bunker Hill (also known as the Lux), which was meant to operate offshore of Los Angeles. After the Bunker Hill’s opening night, however, Cornero and five of his aides were arrested on felony charges of criminal conspiracy to conduct gambling games and serve alcohol without a license. After his arrest, Cornero announced that he was ready to go to the United States Supreme court to keep the Bunker Hill running. Cornero was also “admiral” of the Rex, another gambling vessel which was forced to suspend operations in 1938.
Mrs. Zella Jeffers on the witness stand in the courtroom of Judge Charles W. Fricke. She is accused of performing immoral acts with her husband, Reverend Joseph Jeffers, in front of guests in their home. Mrs. Jeffers claimed that on the night of her arrest she was drugged by neighbor Vincent Higgins, a District Attorney’s detective, and didn’t remember the events that were supposed to have taken place. A film reviewed by the prosecution showed Reverend and Mrs. Jeffers disrobing in front of their guests. Behind Mrs. Jeffers is a floor plan of her home, which she described for the jury.
Mrs. Zella Jeffers on the witness stand in the courtroom of Judge Charles W. Fricke. She is accused of performing immoral acts with her husband, Reverend Joseph Jeffers, in front of guests in their home. Mrs. Jeffers claimed that on the night of her arrest she was drugged by neighbor Vincent Higgins, a District Attorney’s detective, and didn’t remember the events that were supposed to have taken place. A film reviewed by the prosecution showed Reverend and Mrs. Jeffers disrobing in front of their guests. Behind Mrs. Jeffers is a floor plan of her home, which she described for the jury.
A photograph of Sidney T. Graves as he awaited transfer from the Los Angeles County Jail to San Quentin Penitentiary. Graves was convicted of bribery a year before, after accepting a sum of $80,000 in connection with the high San Gabriel dam project. At that time, Graves had been a county Supervisor. He was sentenced to one to fourteen years imprisonment for his crime.The other men in the photo are unidentified. Graves is seated, right.
The children of William F. Gettle, millionaire and kidnapping victim, posing on tricycles for a photograph after their father's safe return. Circa May 15, 1934.William F. Gettle, Beverly Hills millionaire, was kidnapped from the grounds of his Arcadia ranch home during a housewarming party on the eve of May 9th. The kidnapping attracted a great deal of attention in the community, with Mrs. Gettle even addressing the kidnappers through the pages of the Los Angeles Times. The kidnappers demanded a $60,000 ransom for the return of Gettle, which Mrs. Gettle agreed to pay. However, before the ransom was paid, two detectives of the LAPD, Chester Burris and H.P. Gearhardt, broke the case after installing a dictaphone in the home of a bank robbery suspect. Information from the dictaphone led them to a La Crescenta home where Gettle was held. He was returned, unharmed, to his family on the eve of May 14th.
The house in La Crescenta where William F. Gettle, Beverly Hills millionaire, was held during his five day kidnapping in May of 1934. Gettle was kidnapped from his ranch home in Arcadia on the night of May 9th during a housewarming party, then held in this La Crescenta house by a gang consisting of three men and two women. Police foiled their ransom plot and rescued Gettle on May 14th, following clues recorded on a dictagraph placed on the telephone conversations of a suspected bank robber.
Wayne Fisher was the foreman of the 1934 Los Angeles County Grand Jury. Fisher was born in Sioux Falls, S.D. in 1892, although he was educated in Los Angeles and graduated from the college of law at the University of Southern California. Fisher was an investment banker and a sport aviator.
Screenshot from a film used by the prosecution at the murder trial of DeWitt Clinton Cook. The film showed Cook (right) re-enacting his murder of dancer Anya Sosoyeva, who he hit on the head with a 2x4. Cook willingly confessed to the murder, as well as the assaults of two other women, Delia Bogard and Myrtle Wagner. This was the first time sound motion pictures were used during a trial in California history. The trial was also considered very unusual because Cook never denied the murder, personally offer a not guilty plea, or put up any defense. Cook was sentenced to death and executed in the San Quentin gas chamber on January 31, 1941, at age 21
Screenshot from a film used by the prosecution at the murder trial of DeWitt Clinton Cook. The film showed Cook (right) re-enacting his murder of dancer Anya Sosoyeva, who he hit on the head with a 2x4. Cook willingly confessed to the murder, as well as the assaults of two other women, Delia Bogard and Myrtle Wagner. This was the first time sound motion pictures were used during a trial in California history. The trial was also considered very unusual because Cook never denied the murder, personally offer a not guilty plea, or put up any defense. Cook was sentenced to death and executed in the San Quentin gas chamber on January 31, 1941, at age 21
William F. Gettle's three kidnappers, Larry Kerrigan (center left, in dark hat), James F. Kirk (at Kerrigan's left) and Roy A. Williams (at Williams' left) walk through Los Angeles after leaving the county court house, bound once again for San Quentin penitentiary. The trio had previously pled guilty to the kidnapping of William F. Gettle, wealthy Beverly Hills businessman, and received life sentences at San Quentin penitentiary. However, they were then charged with the crime of attempted extortion through the mails. If convicted of said crime, they would lose the possibility of parole. May 28, 1934.
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.
Left to right: Detective Lieutenant R.S. Hamilton, Adolfo Campos, Det. Lt. E.J. Henry, and Det. Lt. E.C. Biffle, with a suitcase full of smuggled marijuana. Campos is the suspected smuggler.
(Left to Right) Assemblymen Lee T. Bashore, Jack B. Tenney, Sam Yorty, Seth Millington, and Harrison W. Call, the "little Dies committee" which questioned members of the Los Angeles Country State Relief Administration (S.R.A.) on charges of Communist activity. The hearings lasted only one day and ended with a recommendation that action be taken against some of the witnesses for perjury, but no one was immediately fired.
Watchman Roland Dewitt Seal sitting in a chair. Seal was a witness at the trial for Dr. George K. Dazey, who was suspected of killing his wife Doris Dazey in 1935. Mrs. Dazey was found dead in the garage, apparently the victim of monoxide poisoning. Dr. Dazey was accused of boasting about pulling off the "perfect crime," referring to the murder of his wife. Seal had never met Dazey, but he testified to seeing Dr. Dazey carrying a woman's body from the house to the garage on the night of the murder. At the trial Seal also admitted to giving a ficticious name when attempting to purchase a revolver he said he needed to protect himself from Dazey. Seal was given two years probation for this.
Watchman Roland Dewitt Seal sitting in a chair. Seal was a witness at the trial for Dr. George K. Dazey, who was suspected of killing his wife Doris Dazey in 1935. Mrs. Dazey was found dead in the garage, apparently the victim of monoxide poisoning. Dr. Dazey was accused of boasting about pulling off the "perfect crime," referring to the murder of his wife. Seal had never met Dazey, but he testified to seeing Dr. Dazey carrying a woman's body from the house to the garage on the night of the murder. At the trial Seal also admitted to giving a ficticious name when attempting to purchase a revolver he said he needed to protect himself from Dazey. Seal was given two years probation for this.
Mrs. Antibus sued Mr. Warner Sr. after her home was raided by Buron Fitts and several of his deputies at the request of Mr. Warner. The raid of Mrs. Antibus' home was conducted in order to search for Mr. Warner's son, Thomas W. Warner, Jr. Mr. Warner, Jr. was found hiding inside the home with his girlfriend Mrs. Jean MacDonald. The pair had been hiding in the home from Mr. Warner, Sr. who was opposed to their relationship and was seeking to end all contact between the pair. Mrs. Antibus served as a private detective for Mr. Warner, Jr. and had previously conducted an investigation into the life of Mrs. MacDonald in attempt to determine whether she was truly in love with Mr. Warner, Jr. Mrs. Antibus alleged that the raid left several of her visitors injured and was unnecessarily violent.
Captain of Police Earle E. Kynette was charged with conspiracy to commit murder after the vehicle of Harry J. Raymond was bombed on January 14, 1938. Kynette was in charge of a special police intelligence unit that had been conducting surveillance on Raymond’s home from a nearby bungalow. Before the car bombing, Raymond had been conducting investigative work on Mayor Shaw and his possible connections with illegal gambling. Two other officers, Fred Browne and Roy J. Allen, connected with the intelligence unit were also charged with conspiracy to commit murder. However, Fred Browne was eventually acquitted. Kynette and Allen were both found guilty.
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
John Frank Reavis, 26-year-old trombone player and candy salesman, at his trial for the murder of 17-year-old B-girl Alice “Jerry” Burns. Reavis confessed to the murder but said that he was in a blind rage when he did it and didn’t know what he was doing. Reavis 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