The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1926-11-20
AL|B| OFFERED|N
MURDER DEFENSE
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various uncomplimentary classified
lions such as notorious liar"
An auto load of maps, books, and
exhibits had been brought to the
courthouse by the defense lawyers
before court opened, many of these
being ranged Oh the counsel table.
Many Of Stevens friends from his
home town of Lavallette, N. j., were
in the courtroom.
A map of the Phillips farm on De
Russeys lane. where the Rev. Dr.
Edward Wheeler Hall and Mrs
Eleanor Mills were found murdered
four years ago, was tackled on the
courtroom wall.
Then Stevens was called to testify.
He passed slowly before the
judges bench. Then, raising his
hand, he swore he would tell the
truth
The witness wore a dark suit Of
conservative cut.
How old are you?" asked Case.
81 am 81. This is my birthday
today" Stevens began.
He said he had lived in Lavallette,
N. j., since 1915. His home had been
in New Brunswick until 1900, he
added. lie was married in 1901 and
then lived in Roselle Park.
Speaks Distinctly
Stevens spoke in a low voice, but
was distinct.
What has been your business,
Mr.. Stevens?" asked Case.
Il retired in 1920. Previous to
that time 1 was in Atlantic City
teaching people trapshooting."
Before that he was a salesman
for munitions concerns.
Now in your work with the Rem
ington Arms Company, did you learn
anything about pistols and revolv-
, ers?"
yes, sir. 1 did"
The crowd stirred at this unlocked
for statement. But Stevens went on:
You see, our firm made cartridges
for all kinds Of guns, and 1 had to be
familiar with the goods 1 was sell
ing"
did you visit New Brunswick
frequently after you moved to La
vallette?"
| Several times a year"
Where did You stay while there?"
II seldom stayed over night, but
when 1 did I stayed at my sisters"
What were your relations with
your sister,"
Very pleasant"
And with DIR. HALF"
Very pleasant"
Where were you on the night of
Sept. IA, 1922"
In Lavallette."
Begins AIibi
The audience leaned forward to
hear the alibi.
What did you do that day?" went
on Case.
Il was downtown in Lavalette
all day. 1 remember driving down
in the afternoon to see an old
friend"
Stevens said he was just doing
ordinary things" He walked down
to the water, 1900 feet from his
house, and tended to his boats.
Case then reverted to the events
Of the day and night of the murder.
On that day the witness wife was
in New York, he said.
The witness said he had called at a
Point Pleasant cigar store and fish
ing tackle shop.
Il always went in and looked over
the tackle whether 1 bought any,
thing or not" he explained.
Stevens then drove to the inland
town Of Osborne and got some
laundry. He returned to Lavallette
and went fishing.
That night he had dinner at the
Eagers neighbors). and told them
of a blue-flsh he had caught.
He went to bed early and awoke
about $50 or Z o'clock, getting his
own breakfast he said. He fished
a little while and went over to the
Eagers for the noon meal
A telegram was received that
morning from his wife telling him to
telephone a New York number if he
were going to meet her soon.
Message of Death
In the afternoon there came an.
other telegram, received while he
was fishing. The telegram said:
Edward Hall has been killed.
Come at once"
The message was signed by E. r.
Carpenter, cousin.
II gathered up my tackle, ran and
looked up train schedules. 1 got a
train at about 4:25 o'clock"
Stevens said he bought a paper at
Monmouth Junction and learned for
the first time Of the murder.
He reached New Brunswick at
$50 or later and had supper at the
Carpenters. Then he went over
and saw his sister.
On Sunday he stayed with the
Carpenters. His wife came from
New York and both saw Mrs. Hall
"off and on" all day.,
ibid Mrs. Hall have a scratch
on her face?" asked Case. States
witnesses had testified that there
was such a mark shortly after the
murder.
mot that saw" said Stevens.