Capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1919-1980, 1921-10-03
Past LfeOf
Brurnfield Is
Scrutmized

IN lH0idEd Vi Dh+ AhAS1eAN
Brumfield, accused arch-murderer
prior to his removal TO Oregon on
June IL, 1909, is being made the
subject Of intensive study BY law
yerg for both the defense and
prosecution. ii was learned here
today.
Bfumfield is accused Of the
murder Of Dennis Russell. hermit
laborer, whose charred headless
body was found in creek at the
bottom Of an embankment near
here July 1s. Brumfield fled to
Calgary, where he was arrested
under the alias or Norman Whit
ney.
He will be tried for first degree
murder beginning Wednesday
Brumfield's defense, according
to hints dropped by bis lawyers,
will be that the deed was commit
ted. II it was committed by Brum-
field at all, while the accused den
tist was in the grip Of what he
claims Is an old and troublesome
malady Of his-amnesia.
Amnesia Claims Studied.
Brumfield claims that for the
month following July IL he WIS
guided by his sub-conscious mind.
lie remembers nothing of what
happened during the momentous
days, he says. in which is alleged
to have murdered Russell and to
have fled to Canada.
The accused dentist. whose
fame as a modern DR.. Jekyl and
Mr.. Hyde has been the talk of
nation, insists that all his life he
has been the victim Of amnesia.
Recurrent attacks have proved em-
barrassing at various times In hisl
past life. he asserts, and these
claims are the subjects of study |
for both the state and his own
lawyers.
Brumfield's life, since his birth.
at Haubstadt, in Indiana, where
his period OF employment as super
during his attendance at the Uni
yerslty Of Illinois, his course In
dental college In Cincinnati, and
Even the dentists life since
intendent of schools in Haubstadt,
Is being combed by both defense
and prosecution for incidents help
ful to either side.
Home Life Scrutinized.
Even the dentists's life since
he came to Roseburg in 1909 is be-
ing scrutinized for apparently tri-
vial incidents which may save his
neck from an Oregon moose or
cause him to stretch hemp as a
vindication Of justice.
Mrs. Brumford, whom the dem
tist married as Myrtle Beresford
In Evansville. Ind, December 80,
1908. may be an important wit
ness for the defense. She may be
able, the prosecution comedies. to
establish Brumfield's claim to In
cipient amnesia, thus possibly
saving him from the gallows. even
should the prosecution be able to
bind him TO the killing OF Russell
with the chain OF circumstantial
evidence District Attorney Neuner
has forged.
Delay Is Anticipated.
Much delay In the trial will
probably be experienced on ac-
count Of the fact that the present
jury panel consists of but "a
names. Due to the wide publicity
given the case 1t Is certain that
this panel win be quickly ex-
II has been planned TO secure a
special yenire prior to the open
Ing of the trial. but the law makes ..
this more impossible as special
iurymen cannot be drawn until
after the "a jurymen have been !
regularly drawn and disposed OF
i Is therefore predicted that much
time will bo lost In securing
Jury TO hear the case.
Nearly all state witnesses have
been served with subpenas, Sheriff 2
starmer announced today. The !
defense so far has made no at !
.empt TO subpoena its witnesses as )
hey are expected to come to Rose
burg voluntarily. Upon their ar
'ival here the proper papers win
be served. Both the defense and :
will bring witnesses !
rom Canada. 7
Brumfield. since visitors have
been barred from interviewing 2
atm. has been a model prisoner.
He reads and plays cards constant !
y. He talks but little. Mrs !
Brumfield continues her daily Wis
rs and always anxiously inquiries '
lbout her prisoner husbands
health. lie appears physically ftl
lor the ordeal he is TO face. The
estimated cost OF the trial to the
county, exclusive OF rewards. is
$4,000.