The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-03-11
Virgil Kirkland -
 Is Found Guilty
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either by attack or attempt to at- tack, the death penalty would have
 The judes stressed this fact h reading his instructions. Shortly be- fore, Attorney O'Hara had describ- cd how Kirkland would be burned, burned, burned" if sentenced to die.
 Kirkland's mother, who had left the trial as Prosecutor John Under human beast" and demanded his life, became hysterical when the verdict was read.
 My darling. my darling, 1t is un- fair." she cried as she fought her way past four deputies to embrace Virgil, who sat daxed. The boy pron- ably will be sentenced next Monday.
 Members of the Draves family made little comment. but indicated they were satisfied, although believ- ing the penalty too light.
 his cell last night and declared he was "glad it was over" he was in- formed that Leon Stanford, one of the four othe: youths also charged with Miss Draves' death, was In . cell q few yards away.
 Like Kirkland, Stanford obtained a change of venue from Gary and will be tried in about a month. The other three will have separate trials.
 Story of the Crime
 Arlene Draves, IS, pretty and drinking rarty November 20, 1880, at the home of David Thompson, . Gary fireman. Sixteen persons, hus- band, wives and sweethearts, met at Thompson's home, for an evening of merry making.
 Virgil kirkland, 20. a football hero before he was expelled from high school. escorted Arlene to the party and later was charged with her murder. The trial began Feb- ruary 23.
 Soon after they arrived at the party bottle of alcohol was found in a pantry, and drinks were served to Arlene, Virgil and another cou- pie. Some of "the boys" brought a gallon each of alcohol and wine. and everybody ''ganged around" the kitchen table to drink 1t.
 While other couples danced or drank. Virgil and Arlene slipped away to the front porch.
 Dick sturtridge former Depauw University star athlete. found them ing over Arlene, and murnuring, T love you, you know I love you."
 T want to go home," was Ar- iene's only reply, said sturtridge. Then ha heard Arlene fall to the floor, ran over and picked her up, and Virgil carried her to an auto mobile 'to get fresh air."
 Paul Barton, owner of the auto- mobile, and Thompson, the host, drove to a lunch stand for sandwich es with Virgil and Arlene in the rear seat.
 At the cafe, witnesses testified, Kirkland washed blood from his hands and made a remark con- strued by the state that he had att tackled Arlene and prompted Th0mp son to do likewise. The state stress cd this testimony.
 Barton ard Henry Shirk later started to Arlene's home. Kirkland remained with Arlene while his companions went into q restaurant. A loltercr came out and heard Kirk land exclaiill:
 My God: feel her pulse. T. think she's dead"
 Kirkland. shirk and Barton car- ried Arlene's body into the home of Dr Wharton. There they were told she was dead.
 Wharton testified they ran out and drove away, although he fired two shots in an attempt to stop them.
 The state charged KirklarS | struck Arlene when she resisted his advances, and it's medical experts testified she was killed by the shock and injuries of criminal attacks. Acquaintance of Kirkland testl- fled he boasted to them he would Knock hell out of Arlene" if he could not compromise her. The state was permitted to intro- duce a confession" quoting Virgil as admitting three attacks Kirkland said he loved Arlene. wanted to marry her, was intimate with her only with her consent and denied striking her.