Los Angeles herald., 1905-06-22
MYSTERY DEEPENS
At SANTA MONICA
ASSAULTS UPON VANDERC00K
UNEXPLAINED
POLICE OFFICERS PUZZLED
Public Opinion Divided Regarding the
Stories Of Alleged Midnight At
taeks by Enemies Of Girls
Protector
POLICE OFFICERS PUZZLED


who occupied room next to him in
the Stratford apartments on Utah ave-
nue., Walter L. Vandercook, the Santa
Monica photographer who has twice
been the victim Of unknown assailants
within less than a week, passed the
while little Miss Ruth Hilllard, on
whose account the man Is alleged to
have suffered, plaintively expressed
the wish at her home. 129 South Third
street that Sherlock Holmes would
appear to solve the problem which so
far has baffed all the efforts of the
Santa Monica police.
Reads Like a Novel
Like the tales of a dime novel are
the facts concerning the assaults upon
Vandercook since, according to his
story, he warned certain acquaintances
of the girl to desist their unwelcome
attentions.
It was thirteen months ago that
Walter Vandercook met Ruth Hilliard
in the Soldiers Home in Sawtelle. He
had been wounded In Cuba at the bat
tie Of San Juan hill, while fighting
with a Michigan regiment, and was a
helpless invalid in the home hospital.
J. P. Hilliard, father of Ruth, was
also an inmate of the institution. The
billiards, consisting of Ruth, her faith
er and mother, became fast friends
with Vandercook, and when in October
the former secured a home in Santa
Monica, Vandercook became board
er with them.
About this time Spencer Kennedy, a
young business man of Santa Monica,
bought out sporting goods store on
charge of the Photographic depart
ment He employed Ruth Hilliard to
assist him. Later Vandercook opened
place of his own on Utah avenue,
| just south Of Third street, and Ruth
went to work in his shop.
The building is a one-story frame af-
fair, and contained store in front
and bed room, which Vandercook oc-
cupied, In the rear.
Miss Hilliard is an only child, 16
years old and mature for her age and
unusually prepossessing in appearance
She is of medium height, with dark
brown hair of an auburn tint, blue
eyes and regular features, with a
somewhat unwholesome pallor.
Received Anonymous Letters
Early this month she complained to
her family about receiving annoying
letters through the mail. One of these
invited her to attend an outing at
Playa del Rey, and was signed. These
were ignored, but before long she re-
ceived others which were anonymous
in which improper proposals were
made. The girl appealed to Wander
cook to protect her.
According to his story, he warned
several unnamed young men to cease
annoying the girl.
A few days later he, received an
anonymous letter warning him to
leave town.
Attacked at Midnight
Last Thursday morning Vandercook
was found in nude condition, gagged
and securely bound. His feet were tied
to the foot of the bed and his hands
crossed and fastened to a terra Gotta
chimney piece above his head. Across
his abdomen was daubed an inscrip-
ton stating that the writer's would
either accomplish their purpose or they
would kill him.
Vandercook is cripple and walks
with crutch. According to his story
three masked intruders entered his
room at midnight and committed the
outrage upon him.
The police then came into the case.
Marshal Barretto was given charge of
the letters and he began an investi-
cation which resulted in the arrest
Monday afternoon of Spencer Kennel
ly, the sporting goods and business
man, and Edward Lawton, son of the
proprietor of Playa del Rey hotel.
Kennedy is a man in the thirties. of
good reputation, who has been in bus
mess in Santa Monica for several
years.
Lawton, who is only 27 years old, is
a young man of excellent character
who has never been in any sort of
trouble before. He was secretary of
the knights Templars in Sawtelle,
where he formerly lived. and is now an
honored member of the st. Vincent's
boat crew at Playa del Rey. Both were
released on $1,000 bonds to appear for
trial.
Attempt to Burn Him
That was Monday night. Tuesday
Vandercook received another threat
ening letter and Marshal Barretto vis-
tied him at $3.50 O'Clock that night.
and left promising to place guard
for the night. Scarcely fifteen min
utes later. Vandercook was sitting on
the edge OF his bed in the rear of his
store, which abuts on an alley, when
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