The new era. (Walden, Colo.) 1906-19??, 1907-08-08
INNOCENT MAN is pARDoNED.
Railroaded to the Penitentiary, He
Serves Four Years,

Denver.-The Colorado Day pardon
granted to a fortunate convict in
honor of the states birthday was be-
slowed on Luther E. Cannon, at the
request of the men who sent him to
the penitentiary and now believe him
innocent. Sent to the penitentiary
four years ago for for another mans
crime, deserted and forgotten by his
few friends, Cannon looked forward to
nothing else but serving the full time
of ten to twelve years to which he had
been sentenced. Cannon is guiltless
of any crime. The murder for which
he was sent to the penitentiary was
committed by his uncle, Felix Crunk,
Carmen having no part in it. But he
was railroaded to the penitentiary new
ertheless, in January. 1903, and being
without friends, expected to serve his
full sentence.
Just q few days ago Acting Governor
Harper heard Carmon's story and, al
though he was not among those rec
commended by Warden Cleghorn or the
State Board of Pardons, the acting
governor made out the holiday pardon
to the man who had suffered four years
for another mans crime, and Luther
NJ. Cannon walked out into the world
free man.
When the news of what Governor
Harper intended to do reached the
Judge who sentenced and then for
gotten Cannon he at once went to the
governor and strongly recommended
that the pardon be issued. The Judge
is John Shumate, who now lives in Lit
Teton. Jurors who sat in the case and
even the prosecuting attorney added
their pleas to those of Judge Shumate,
and Cannon is released practically at
the request of the men who sent him
to the penitentiary.
Carmon's story as told to Acting
Governor Harper is this ION the 9th
of January, 1908, l had been with my
uncle, F. S. Crunk, In Rangeley, Colo.
Crunk had been drinking all that day.
About S o'clock we went to John
Walsh's saloon. While in that place
Crunk met Hugh Roberts. an old en-
envy of his. Crunk ordered Roberts
to throw up his hands. Roberts re-
fused. Crunk drew his gun and fired.
killing Roberts. We both left that
country. Six days later heard that
there was a reward offered for me.
| at once came and gave myself up
to the authorities as desired to prove
my innocence of crime. l was lodged
in Jail. Two weeks later Crunk was
arrested and brought back. Things
began to look rather dark for him and
he committed suicide. In October of
the same year l was tried and found
guilty Of murder in the second degree
and was sentenced accordingly. My
reason for asking clemency is that
am suffering for another mans crime"
Cannon is 20 years old, single and
a farmer by occupation before his in
generation He was sentenced from
Rio Blanco county In October, 1903.
He had few friends, and these prompt
ly forgot him after his disgrace. Even
the Judge who sentenced him forgot
him, but when he learned that Cannon
was still in the penitentiary was very
active in assisting to secure a pardon
for him. Il supposed that boy had
been released three years ago." said
Judge Shumate to Acting Governor
Harper. Il supposed they would re-
lease him after he had served year,
and here he has suffered four years of
Imprisonment. for murder he did not
commit"