The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-04-29
Flushes Under Stares

Flushes Under Stares
Mrs. Snyder. dressed all in black,
sat straight and composed in the
witness chair. She flushed slightly
under the concentrated stare of hun
dreds of pairs of eyes, but was un-
flinching.
When Mrs. Snyder was called the
courtroom doors were locked and
newspaper men were not permitted
to enter or leave the courtroom.
The hall outside was jammed with
close to 500 persons. Lower floors
were also packed and a vast throng
had gathered outside the courthouse.
you are to understand" Justice
Scudder told Mrs. Snyder as she
took the stand, that you are not
compelled to testify, since you are
defendant"
"On advice of counsel" her attor-
ney broke in, this witness will tes-
tify in her own behalf"
How long did you know your hus
band before you married him?"
asked Hazleton.
About three or four months"
Ignored by Gray
Mrs. Snyder held her head for
ward and a little TO one side. Gray,
sitting twelve feet in front of her,
did not look at the witness.
Did you ever know a Jessie Des-
hart?"
mo, but I've heard of her."
Quietly Mrs. Snyder explained that
Miss Deshart was a former sweet
heart of her husband and that AL
bert had loved her so much he con.
tinued to speak of her even after
her death.
He named a boat "Jessie D." MIS-.
Snyder said, and had pictures Of her
in the home.
When Lorraine, her daughter, was
born nine years ago, the witness said,
she was forced to undergo an op-
Grafton. Arrival Of the child did not
serve to stop family chickering's that
had developed.
SObs on Stand
"More and more often" nodded
the witness. Mrs. Snyder hesitated
at the mention of her daughter and
then suddenly bowed her head, COW
cred her face with her hands and
began sobbing. In a moment, how
ever, she regained her composure
and continued. She was forced to
do all the household work.
You were unfaithful to your mar
riage vows after you met Henry
Judd Gray?"
ST was" said Mrs. Snyder.
Mrs. Snyder then went over her
first meeting with Gray and recited
that he had given her corselet.
She said that she and Gray had
gone to night clubs together as well
as restaurants and hotels. Once,
she recalled, she had taken a ten
day automobile trip with Gray
through New York State.
Counsel for Mrs. Snyder in open
ing statements preceding defense
testimony offered directly opposed
theories. Her attorney placed all
the blame for the murder on Gray,
declaring he intended to share with
the widow in insurance Snyder car
ried. Gray waas declared the actual
killer. Gray's counsel declared the
woman "a human serpent" who
completely dominated Gray; assert
ed he was drunk at the time of the
Staying and not responsible for his
acts.
Mrs. Josephine Brown, mother of
Mrs. Snyder, was called. The throng
saw a little faded woman, dressed
completely in black, thread her way
to the witness stand. She seemed |
scarcely aware of the sensation she
was creating. She looked confidingly
at Justice Scudder and gave her
daughter a glance just before begin
ming her testimony. Mrs. Brown
questions rapidly.
She told of two operations for ap-
pendicitis her daughter had under
gone.
Gray she said, first came to her
house to sell her a corsette. After
two other calls Mrs. Brown warned |
Mrs. Snyder not to permit Gray to
call again.
On cross-eXamination she denied !
Turn to Page 81