The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-02-10
SECRET BOX MAY
HOLD SOLUTION
DEATH MYSTERY
Second Safety Deposit Drawer
Belonging to Taylor Exists.
Close Friend of Taylor Fur
nishes Information.
PRISONER HERE INVESTIGATED
Attention of Investigators Gem
ters on Mabel NOrmand.
Actress Collapsed at Funeral of
VIM. d. Taylor.
Close Friend of Taylor Fur
nishes Information.
PRISONER HERE INVESTIGATED
Actress Collapsed at Funeral of
VIM. D. Taylor.

Los Angeles, Feb. 10.-Information
that William D. Taylor. slain film di-
rector had another safety deposit box
in addition to the one already opened
by county officials which may contain
new letters and other valuable clues
in the investigation OF the murder
was given the district attorneys office
today.
Detectives rushed away in an effort
to locate the second safety deposit box
and to bring its contents in immedl-
ately. The information concerning
the new box was furnished by an in
innate friend of Taylor, whose name
was withheld.
Mabel Normand Center Now.
Mabel Normand, world famous film
actress. whose face is peter known 10
fifty millions of movie fans. thruouI
the world than the most widely known
political leader, is scheduled to De
thrust forward today into an even
more important role than she has
hitherto occupied, in the probe oil
William Desmond Taylor's death.
Miss Normand, who. SO far as is
known, is the last person to have seen
Taylor alive. is expected to go before
District Attorney Woolwine during
the day and tell him all that she
knows concerning Taylor
Collapsed at Funeral.
of Tavlor on Tuesday and was in
serious condition that night, it was
said today She is now much inn
proved, and while her friends say she
she is still nervous, they told the In
+ernatfonal News Service they believe
she could undergo the ordeal of
long questioning by the investigator
who is noted for his rigid cross examl-
nations.
District Attorney Woolwine this
Normand had made a signed state
luent TO the authorities in which she
had admitted she went to the Taylor
home the night Of the murder to get
letters and kilograms she had written
to the director.
At Mss Normand's home, two of
her friends also denied that she had
ever made such a statement.
Believe Mystery Woman Known.
DeIving into the information that
a mystery woman" visited Taylor the
night of the murder preceding the Wis
il of Mabel Normand. officials hope
today to bring the identity of this wo-
man to light and learn the reason for
her call, which so briefly preceded the
siaNing.
1t was reported that the district at
torney was especially anxious to know
If Miss Normand was aware of this
caller and what knowledge she had,
if any, of the mysterious callers mis-
sion.
Concerted efforts are to be made to-
6av to obtain more details of this
early evening visit. Officials feel the
womans call may have had direct
connection with the murder that oc-
CURED a short time later
Had Big Sum of Money.
At the same time. it became posi-
lively known that Taylor the day be-
fore he was shot down had withdrawn
S2.500 from a bank. The afternoon
before he was killed, the director re-
turned to the bank and redeposited
the money.
For what purpose was this money
obtained and why did Taylor return it
to the bank few hours before he was
killed?
These are questions that the investi-
gators from the district attorneys Of
flee are trying to have answered.
From this discC~ery. investigators
have given serious consideration to
theory that Rayloris Staying may have
been the OutgrOWth, of a blackmail |
on the basis of this theory, officers
say the director may have drawn the
money from the bank for the purpose
of acceding to some blackmailer's de- |
mands. Later, they believe he may
have decided to refuse the demand.
Upon making this refusal, officers
say the intruder probably quarreled
with Taylor and the fatal shooting
followed.
Investigate Topeka Prisoner.
Officers today are making a close
investigation of the story told by
Walter r. Underwood, who was ar
rested yesterday at Topeka, Kan, |
charged with absconding with 81, 1855
from the Pacific Electric Railway. by
which he was employed as receiving
cashier until few days ago.
According to telegraphic informa-
tion received here, Underwood first
claiming his name was Walter Mad
dox. told officers who questioned him
mer valet, Edward F. Sands and that
with the latter
OFFICERS were interested in the
mans statements, but declined to
comment on it until he has been re-
turned to Los Angeles and local Of
ficials have had an opportunity to
question him regarding the persons in
volved in the sensational murder mys-
terry.
1t first was reported here that I'm
derwood was Sands travelling under an
assumed name The sheriffs office
announced that It holds warrant for
UnderwoOd's arrest on a charge of
absconding with company funds.
Was Not Wealthy Man.
Local investigation today disclosed
that the man had been in moderate
circumstances here. which appears to
preclude any possibility of his having
moved in circle where he would have
mad an opportunity to make the ac
quaintance of Taylor.
Underwood told Topeka officers