The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1921-01-28
NO new DEVE[ [OPMENTS
IN THE S|ESTA TRAGEDY

| There seems to be no new develop
ments iL the Siesta tragedy which re-
suited in the death of Harry Higel,
popular business man and former may
or of Sarasota.
It will be remembered that Rube
Allyn. editor of the Florida Fisherman,
one OF the most unique, original and
picturesque characters on the Florida
press, is accused of the killing and
has been bound over to await the ac-
tion of the grand jury which meets in
March.
Mrs. Allyn, wife of the prisoner, has
taken charge of her husbands paper
and win also fill his part on the Chau-
Itauqua program in Bradentown next
month.
Hon. John B. Singletary of Arcadia
has been employed by Allyn to con-
duct his defense, waving a preIini-
nary investigation
The relatives of the dead man. have
engaged Mr.. Fred Thomas of Tampa.
to work up evidence in the case. and
have employed Hon. Thomas Palmer
| to assist in the preservation.
State Attorney M. A. McMullen OF
| Clearwater, accompanied by Detective
Fred Thomas of Tampa. spent most OF
Tuesday at Sarasota examining wit
lnesses in connection with the murder
of Harry L. Higel near his home on
Siesta key on Friday. January Z, and
| for which crime Rube Allyn. neigh
Dor Of Higel's. is in the county Jail
here charged with murder.
The two campers, Rodman and
Rosener. who are camped near the
scene Of the crime on Siesta key. were
Iamong the witnesses who were exam
j ined. and when asked what impor-
Itance was attached to their testimony.
Mr. McMullen said he believed 1t val
luable.
It may be possible that some eye
witness to the tragedy has come for
ward with story. At any rate the
state attorney when asked to discuss
the case said he had nothing to say
except that he had become fully ac-
quainted with the circumstances now
and that he did not care to make any
of the evidence public at this time.
Mr.. Thomas was more liberal with his
remarks. He stated that while he
could disclose none of the testimony
lat this time he was still at work on
the case and expected to clear mp a
number of details in few days.
The case promises to be the mose
interesting that has been tried in this
county in many years.
While Detective Thomas and the
officers of Manatee county are work
ing on every clue they can obtain, Col.
J. w. Singletary. Allyn's attorney, is
working on the defense. Allyn stil1
maintains his calm composure in his
cell at the county jail. and is besieged
by visitors every day. Rube says he
is confident that when the time comes
for the trial that he win be exonerat4
ed.
The officers are investigating every
rumor and tracing every clue in order
that they may be able to present more
convincing evidence than that which
has already been presented. or that
they can If possible find that man who
blame can be attached TO without 4
question of doubt.
Stains On Shoes and Trousers to Be
Analysed
The state attorney issued instruc-
tions today to sheriff Wingate to sen
the trousers and the shoes which AL
lyn wore on the morning the crime
was committed. to a chemist for an
alysis Of the stains which appeared
on the garments and which the ONO
ers believe to be bloodstains. The
piece of iron pipe which was picked
up few feet from where HigeI lavf
and which was despatched with what
undoubtedly was the life blood of the
unfortunate man also viii be sent
along for ANALYSIS Of the stains on it.
The trousers were found wet. as
i they had been washed. at the Allyn
home when Allyn was arrested. He
was wearing the shoes when the ar
rest was made.