The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-07-28
DETECTIVES NOW
HUNT FOR |RMA
Woman Mentioned in Beattie
Note to Bulah Binford
Disappears
TELEPHONE CALLS
WERE OBJECTED TO
Commonwealth Attorney
Gregory lmparts Informa-
ton. Which is Re-
garded Important

Developments are expected to-day
in the investigation of the murder of
Mrs. Louise Wexford owen Beattie
while automobiling with her husband,
Henry Clay Beattie, Jr.. in Midlothian
turnpike on Tuesday night a week
ago,
Judge J. NJ. Gregory. Common
wealth 8 Attorney OF Chesterfield
county. where the crime was COM
mitted. is the force behind the new
developments which are awaited
eagerly by the detectives at work on
the case.
Judge Gregory unearthed fresh
and entirely unexpected clew yester-
day morning which he considered OF
vast Importance TO the prosecution
and he at once communicated with
Detective l.. l.. Scherer, who has been
directing the inquiry on behalf of
the Commonwealth.
Detective Scherer and Judge Greg
DRY spent some time in earnest con-
rersation. the former agreeing with
Judge Gregory that the new ciew
may be of untold value in the effort
TO obtain A5sal proof that Henry
Clay Beattie. Jr.. is guilty of the
murder of his wife.
Witness IL Missing
One of the most mystifying and
interesting developments yesterday
was the discovery OF detectives that
woman who ia believed to be au
important witness has left Richmond.
AT least she is thought Ia have de-
parted from the city as she has dis
appeared. but it is possible she may
be within the city limits OF Richmond
or in one oil the suburbs.
The woman, according TO the de-
teetives. was referred to as Irene"
in tho letter written TO Buiah Binford
by Henry Clay Beattta, enclosing the
Binford girl $40 with which to buy
furniture for fiat. The letter was
read by Attorney L. -. Wendenburg.
for the prosecution, at the inquest on
Friday afternoon a week ago and IL
now in the hands of the Common
wealth.
In the communication Beattie re-
auested Bulah Binford to tell 'Irena
10 stop calling him up. somebody
might get wise" Attorney Wendeu-
burg read the name 'Irena" when
detectives say. II really was Trina "
inquiry To learn the Identity of Irma
revealed. the detectives declare. that
she is Mrs Irma Cobb. who lived in
the same house with Bulah Binford
and her sister Mrs Powers.
Mrs. Cobb left the house in West
Main street at noon on Tuesday last
and according 10 inmates OF the
house has not been seen In this city
since. Detectives learned yesterday
she was missing and in the afternoon
Detectives Scherer. Wiltshire and
Wren went to the house. What they
learned there they would not say but
aE soon as they left the house they
began making inquiries In an effort
TO learn the whereabouts of the
woman.
Brother Brings Magazin
Douglas Beattie called on his
brother. Henry Clay Beattie, yester-
day morning and the two had lonI
talk in the latter's cell. Douglas ar
rived from his home in South Rich
mend with an armfnl OF magazines
and was admitted at once To the
cell room. The visit seemed TO cheer
the prisoner, who has grown down
cast and spiritiess recently.
In the afternoon Henry Clay Beat
tie, Sr.. called To see his son. carry
ing a bag OF fruit and several books
for the prisoner. Young Beattie has
a Bible on "A table In his cell given hin
several days ago. lay his father ATasas
the father left Detective Scherer and
Attorney Wendenburg arrived to see
the prisoners Mr.. Scherer interview
ed the girl while the lawyer talked
with Paul y, Beattie. the cousin. who
confessed purchasing a shotgun fol
the accused murderer.
Attorney Wendenburg. who Is as
ISOLATED with Commonw ealths Attor-
ney Gregory in the prosecution. II
giving his services to the State gratis
Mr.. Wendenburg's action has awaken
ed much comment and commemorative
as he il regarded as one of the mos
able criminal lawyers in Virginia. HI
will continue his campaign for tn
State senate, but will necessarily miss
some of his speaking engagements.