The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-03-05

three occasions, when nobody was
present, Schroeder told me the man
groaned Just before he set him
afire'," Winkled testified.
Denied He Stabbed Man
Il asked him if he stabbed the
man." Winkled continued.
Schroeder answered, I did not.
"Your story is pretty f1imsy, isn't
it, Schroeder" Winkler said he
stated.
eyes, but that's my story and I'm
going to stick to it," Winkler quoted
Schroeder as saying.
At this point, Holmes launched an
attack on events occurring in the
offices of Edward Dietz, former JUS
tice Of the peace, when Schroeder
was hailed into the court on an
arson charge-tIe first ever pre-
pared by indianapolis authorities.
Holmes objected to Winkler testi-
flying to the grilling at police head
quarters after he (Holmes) had pro-
tested against the questioning.
Questioned for Hours
Holmes was sustained by Judge
Frank P. Baker.
Winkler admitted that the ques-
tioning began at 10 a. M. and con-
tinued until 1870 the next morning,
with Interruptions only for meals.
Methods employed in this grill
ling come under the head of duress,
which resulted in the wearing down
Of this defendant and wearing his
strength away" Holmes stated.
amy statements obtained under
those conditions are not competent
in evidence" Holmes declared. Bak-
er held that testimony of state
ments obtained under those condi-
lions would be withheld temporarily.
Preceding Winkler on the stand,
two fingerprint experts testified TO
the likeness of Schroeder's signature
on the register of Hotel Meeker May
"a, and that of a telegram sent by
Schroeder several days later. Both
papers bore the signature of H. B.
Flow, the alias which prosecutors
say Schroeder used while in the city.
Greets Jurymen
The witnesses were Herbert s.
Wood of the Indiana National bank,
and Albert S. Johnson, 4317 Col
lege avenue, with the Fletcher Saw
ings and Trust Company.
AS court opened this morning,
Schroeder strobe rapidly through
the door toward coat rack near
the entrance to the jury room. In
the doorway stood member of the
jury.
With downcast eyes, Schroeder
greeted the juryman with: Good
morning"
The juror looked up, apparently
surprised. Hi" the juror said,
abruptly.
DR.. Rogers E. Humes, alienist who
examined Schroeder at the city hos
pital week ago, occupied a seat OIL
the bench with Baker. DR.. HuIneS'
testimony will be heard probably
next week.
Holmes indicated he will attempt
to show Schroeder's case was capt.
talized as political ammunition.
Schroeder will hear testimony to-
day of his alleged admission that the
unknown man groaned just before
the Chrysler sedan and is cargo was
set aflre.
State Charges Stabbing
Wilson indicated this testimony
will clinch the states theory that
Schroeder stabbed the man before
trying to erase traces Of himself by
setting fire to the car and the man.
Schroeder says that his hitch
hiker passenger died Of broken
neck when Schroeder fell asleep at
the wheel of the car thirty-five miles
west of Terre Haute, and it plunged
into a ditch.
Wednesday, witnesses struck at
that theory.
Carl Louderback, All Dorman
street, a bookkeeper, called to the
stand by Wilson, testified that there
are no bitches along the road at
that point, nor, he SAID, is there
any noticeable depression for at
least ten miles in either direction.
Holds Crash Impossible
Louderback testified that he
read Of the crime last June, and
that he drove along the highway at
forty miles an hour. to convince
himself that Schroeder's accident
was impossible"
1t is said that Holmes will pro-
duce five witnesses to Schroeder's
accident at that point, although
their identity never has been re-
Yealed to authorities.
In session marked by stories
Of Schroeder's fling at romance be-
fore the crime. the Alabaman and
his wife, Mrs. Leah Schroeder,
heard Miss Jean Carson, pretty In
dianapohs blonde, tell of dating
Schroeder, May %.
Schroeder listened to the giri's
testimony without evincing great
interest in her description Of the
sidewalk meeting, and a ride into
the country later.
Mrs. Schroeder talked in
whisper TO her husband as Miss
Carson testified.