The Coconino sun., 1926-06-25

of Granville w. Johnson, Los
Angeles civil engineer, Satur-
day just after midnight brought
in a verdict of first degree
murder, and unless his attor-
neys are successful in their ap-
peal he, is due to be hung.
johnson was charged with the
brutal murder of his two-month's
bride, Hazel, on the night of May 2,
at a camp ground near Williams.
His demeanor Immediately following
the alleged discovery by him of his
wife's dead body and the lack of
indications of any strong grief on
his part had Influenced public senti-
ment against him.
However, it was felt that with
nothing but circumstantial evidence
it would be practically impossible for
County Attorney Frank Harrison to
fasten the crime on him. But it is
said the jury were unanimous in
their verdict and the conviction is
due largely to the masterful handl-
ing Of the case by Mr.. Harrison and
his logical and forceful closing ad-
dress to the jury, in which he tore
to shreds the defendants testimony
in his own behalf and pointed out
numerous discrepancies between that
testimony and statements Johnson
had made to officers Immediately fol-
lowing the crime.
Johnson's father and younger
brother of Tulsa, Okla, were here
during the trial, in fact had been
here for some time before. Mr.. and
Mrs. J. W. Meyer of Los Angeles,
parents of the murdered woman,
were also here, the former a wit
ness for the state.
One Of the strongest points against
johnson was that shortly before he
and his family left Los Angeles, he
had taken out two $500 life insur-
ance policies on his wife, himself
the beneficiary; and he was also the
beneficiary in another $4,000 policy
on her life.
Judge Holmes of Raleigh, Mo-, and
Judge F. w. Perkins and H. L. Rus
sell of Flagstaff, were counsel for
johnson, Judge Perkins having come
into the case at the last moment un-
der appointment by Judge J. E. Jones
Mr.. Harrison was assisted by his
deputy. Frank M. Gold, in the prose-
cution. All three defense attorneys
addressed the jury after the testl-
mony had been concluded. Mr.. Cold
smoke first for the state, Mr.. Har-
rison concluding after dinner Satur-
dav night. The jury got the case at
9:i5 and at five minutes after MD
NIGHT IJnder-Sheriff D. L. Mckinney,
notified that a verdict had been
reached. went after Judge Jones. At
1890 Foreman Tom Cureton, or the
i1rv. read the verdict. The defend
ant did not seem to be affected.
Johnson took the stand in his own
behalf on Friday afternoon, and told
q connected and plausible story un-
deY. direct examination by Judge
Holmes, chief of defense counsel. ne
told in detail why and how ne ana
his wife planned their trip east from
Los Angeles. His doctor told MN
he had stomach ulcers and to lay OH
a couple months from his JOB IN the
Los Angeles engineering depart
ment. =
THE Johnsons decided to make IT
a honeynoon trip back to Missouri
to visit relatives of both. lie told
her She would have to furnish the
money for the trip. She had ABOUT
ee00 in hank. He traded in his Ford
on \ new Hudson coach and she palu
tbe first installment on the new car,
bought the camping equipment ana
Maid two months rent on their nome.
He borrowed $500 from California
1sa1o which swelled his funds to
s27O- He said she told him she was
ego;ng to take about $3.50 of her own
money on the trip. He gave her
e15n of his money to take care OF be-
pa,,Sa [ ..she was awful good about
taking care of money" She carried
the money in an abdominal Delt.
Johnson and his wife ana Inei
fonr-year-old son, by previous mar
riage. reached camp ground neaL
Williams at IL a. NJ, May 4. 1leol
Getting outdoor camping privileges
s heo9n to rain and they moved IN
IN one of the cabins. She made up
the bed and he unloaded the @ car
y,hich was under the same roof. lhey
elant an hour or so, then drove 70
Williams and bought some stuff. he
sniff wood with his hatchct. They
had dinner, then took a WALK, played
hide and seek with the baby, reaa'
etc. until near dark. He left tne
Ratchet with which he split the WOOD
and with which his wife wv hours
later was murdered on block out
side near the cabin. The baby got II
twice and played with it. Finally ne
nut it on the table in the cabin. Then,
he said. was the last he remembered
seeing it that day.
They repacked after supper. He
went over the car with fiashlight,
working especially on the carburetor.
He read while. Then he suggest
ed they drive to Williams to see if
people they had camped near in Nee
dies and who were held up waiting
for a new part for their car had
reached there. The two couples had
planned driving together to Mis-
souri,.
She said she was tired and had a,
headache and suggested Johnson go
alone. When he left, he said, sne
was sitting on the bed. The baby
was in bed. He closed the door at