The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-01-25

1t also was contended that
because he served as arraign-
ment judge he was not qualified
to hear the trial.
The white haired jurist ruled to
the contrary, but reserved until late
today final decision as to whether
he will vacate the bench.
The defense move was altogether
unexpected. Hickman's attorneys
had indicated last night they were
ready for the trial to proceed.
Stirs Buzz of Excitement
Judge Hardy studied the affidavit
carefully for several moments in
silence. Meanwhile, the courtroom
buzzed with excitement, as the
spectators tried to learn the nature
of the affidavit that had been pre-
sented to the judge.
District Attorney Asa Keyes read
with great care the copy OF the al
fidavit that was handed him.
Suddenly it was discovered the
document was not signed by Hlck-
man and the paper was passed over
to the youth for his signature.
With a nervous hand, Hickman
scrawled his name on the paper and
Judge Hardy began answering the
objections raised in the document.
Then he recessed court without
announcing a final decision.
A jury will hear the evidence and
the testimony of alienists for the
State and the defense and then de-
termine whether the youth is sane
in which case he probably will be
sentenced to be hanged-or insane,
which would mean commitment to
a State hospital.
In State of Despair
In a confession shortly after his
arrest in December. Hickman ad-
mitted abducting Marion and dis
membering her body, after he
choked her to death.
Hickman was in a state OF despair
as the trial opened. He was hag-
gard after sleepless hours last night,
spent in pacing the floor OF his cell
in the Los Angeles County jail.
"I'll swing" he told his guards
as he was being led from the jail
to the courtroom.
81 know I'll swing. I wish the
whole thing were over now"
There was little left of the air OF
bravado with which he greeted his
captors in Pendleton, Ore, barely
month ago and related to them
the story of his crime.
Hours before the session started
a sturdy stream of sensation seek
ers iammed into the Hall OF Justice.
Many women, some with children in
their arms, were in the crowd.
Practically all the space in the lit
tie courtroom was taken by those
actually connected with the trial
and by newspaper representatives.
Disappointed at failure to get in
the courtroom, the crowd fingered in
the corridors of the Hall of Justice,
waiting for glimpse of Hickman.
But again disappointment was IN
store for them. Hickman was led
into the building through rear
entrance and only a few saw him
as he was rushed into an elevator
and taken to the courtroom.
Temporary oak barriers had been
erected in the corridors Of the Hall
of Justice to prevent the crowd from
getting out of control. A heavy de-
tail of policemen patrolled the
corridors, watching for the first sign
of a demonstration Of hostility to-
ward the youthful killer.
Police Ready for Mob
The policemen carried night sticks
and were armed with supply OF
gas bombs.
Hickman was dressed in a dark
blue suit. He had been freshly
shaved.
Jerome Walsh, youthful defense
attorney, reached the courtroom
early. He obviously was straining
to maintain his composure as the
most notorious case in which he
ever had participated began.
He was followed by his equally
youthful associate, Richard Cantil-
lon, who looked sternly about the
courtroom
Hickman entered quietly by side
door. He was accompanied by Claude