Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1921-07-20
V|EWSD|EFER
ON IDENTITY Of
HEAD[ES5 BODY
Merchant Claims Shoes
Were Bought of Him
by Russell, Laborer.
Mrs. Brumfield Asserts
Ring Was That of the
Missing Dentist.

Roseburg, Ore, July 19.-Identifi-
| cation of the headless body found under
the wrecked automobile of DR.. r. NJ.
Brumfield last Thursday morning
formed the principal task for the cor
oner's jury which began the inquest
here Tuesday. The circuit court room
where the inquest was held. was crowd
ed to capacity before the hearing be-
gan.
Opinions of witnesses who had been
subpoenaed differed sharply as to iden
tiflcation. Some were firm that the
body was that of DR.. Brumfield. while
others were certain it was the body
of Dennis Russell, the laborer for
whose alleged murder DIR. Brumfield
is being sought by the authorities.
A pair of shoes recently purchased
by Russell figured in testimony offer
ed by Myrtle Greek merchant named
Sellg, who produced a pair of shoes
which he said were similar to those
sold and which he declared were like
those found on the body. Black sox,
overalls, gray hair, watch, tie pin, let
tiers and other articles found on the
body were exhibits, having been iden-
titled as those of Russell.
BrumfieId's Ring Identified.
Testimony to the effect that the
body was that of DR.. Brumfield, which
was outlined, include Identification of
the ring found on the fingers of the
dead man, the shape Of the fingers,
the condition of the finger nails, and
the contour of the body.
Mrs. Brumfield. contending that the
body is that of her husband, said in
an interview that she is positive in her
Identification. Her father, Dr. J. 3.
Beresford, of Owensville, ind, is ex-
pected to arrive here Thursday to coun-
sci with Mrs. Brumfield. 1t was said
here that reward for Russell may be
offered On the theory that he murder
ed DR.. Brumfield
Mrs. Brumfield Positive.
"Of course, / am positive that it
is the Doctors body" said Mrs. Brum-
field. Through years of association
one becomes absolutely familiar with !
the contour, with every curve. I know |
the body by the cut of the hair the
shape of the fingers and nails, by the |
callous made by his ring and by the |
peculiar corn on his foot. 1t is ride |
llous to think that it is not his body. |
why should the officers believe that !
The doctor has committed this crime?
LSN LHt IHcOIy tudI DcHuiS AuSSel
a murder for robbery just as
,lausible? What motive would the
loctor have for such crime?
II know his financial conditions.
he was not pressed for money. He
las debts, of course, but he had prop
.rty enough to cover all his indebted
less and even if he didn't my folks
lad enough to tide us over. My moth
d fell heir to $4,000 last fall. and if
e had needed money, he could have
orrowed all he needed.
Always Carried Insurance.
"It was his policy to take out in
urance to cover his debts. When he
yas 1S years old he borrowed money
0 go to school. He took out insur-
nee to protect his creditors, and since
hen he has always followed that pol
""
Part of his insurance was made out
, her as beneficiary and part to his
reditors, Mrs. Brumfield said
Il know he had about $1,000" she
aid. "He had q note outstanding at
,e bank and he told me he was going
, draw out money to pay the note.
[e also drew another check for $500.
he note was not paid. SO he must
ave had the money on him when he
as killed. None of the notes out
;anding were due and he was not
eeding money Immediately"
Frequently Took Rifle.
Mrs. Brumfield declared that her
1sband frequently went out with his
file in the car. She described the gun
being a Remington 80 caliber auto
attic and declared that he took the
IN out for hunt Sunday and that
was still in the car on Wednesday
ght. The rifle was found in the car {
hen the wreck occurred. :
Officers found two 80 caliber Rem
gton shells, one being covered with
ood and near the wreck and the other
ar the scene of the shooting near
e Russell cabin. The bullets found
the body were so badly shattered
at their size cannot be determined, r
though they are known to be of a !,
rye caiber. ?
Den MY III