The Union daily times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1918-current, 1922-12-13
NO MOTIVE FOR
SLAYING WOMAN


into the past lives of the two princi-
pals, police detectives tonight admit
ted that they had failed to establish
a motive for the Killing of Mrs. Thel-
ma Richardson, stenographer, Swho
was shot to death late yesterday at
the home of Thomas Pollard, real es-
state and insurance man, Or to ascer-
tain the exact manner in which the
young woman was shot.
Two theories of the killing are be-
ing considered by the authorities. One
is that Pollard shot the girl following
a quarrel, probably on the belief that
she was about to kill him. The other
theory, and the one in which the de-
tectives are Inclined TO place more
credence, is that the young woman
was shot accidentally during strug-
gle for possession Of the pistol, which
is said to have belonged to her.
IL searching today for a motive for
the killing, Which has been charged
to Pollard, the authorities turned their
attention to J. Mosby West, who ac-
companied Mrs. Richardson to Pol
lard's home, and who is held as an
accessory. According to the detec-
tives, West claims that he did not
know the object of the woman's visit
to the Pollard home. West declared
that he remained in his automobile in
front of the house while Mrs. Richard
son went to the front door. He said
he could not hear the conversation be-
tween the couple and could not see
which party had the gun when the
shot rang out.
Vests story of his and the wo-
mans movements yesterday as the de-
tective repeated it tonight was that
kc went to Mrs. Richardson's home
shortly afternoon and brought her
to the city in his automobile. He is
credited with having told the police
that he and the woman went to his
office where they ate a light lunch
about 3 o'clock, going from there to
the Pollard home.
Preliminary hearing of the charges
against Pollard and West were post
poned until Thursday, when the cases
were called in police court today. The
rostponement was at the request OF
counsel Tor the two men. 3, y
81 & Z n1banrxd today
that he would conduct an inquest
Thursday. The coroner granted per
mission for the removal and burial
of the body Of the young woman and
it will be taken to Atlanta tomorrow.
William Pierce Ham, brother Of the
slain woman, will accompany the cas-
ket to the Georgia city.
Pending the preliminary hearing
Pollard and West are at liberty on
the bonds they gave last night. Pol
lard's bail is $1,000, while Vests is
$500.
Mrs. Richardson, who was formerly
Miss Thelma Ham, daughter of
Mrs. Belle HIM, came to Richmond
about six years ago. She was mar
ried to Herbert Richardson, Jr., in
1917 Richardson later entered the
army and served until after the armis-
tice, being discharged in 1919. When
he returned home his wife was work
ing in the Office of Thomas Pollard.
The Richardson's separated a few
months later and finally were di-
vorced. Pollard was a witness in the
divorce proceedings it is said. Mrs.
Richardson continued to work for Pol
lard until few weeks ago. Since
leaving his employ she has lived in
the country about nine miles from
Richmond.
Herbert Richardson, Jr., tonight re-
fused to confirm or deny the report,
which originated in Atlanta yester-
day, that there were prospects of a
reconciliation and remarriage between
himself and his former wife.