The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-06-29
JACKSON DEATH
TRIAL IS SET
FOR JULY IS
Murder Confession Signed
by Louis Hamilton,
Police Claim.


Continued from Page II
with him as he and Witt were re-
turned to Jail under guard Of sew
eral detectives.
Mrs. Hamilton threw her arms
around her husband and kissed him.
Don't worry, honey, everything
will be all right" she murmured.
Were here now and will do all we
can. I love you, Louis"
On Verge of Tears a.
His sister also kissed him, both
women on the verge of tears as he
was led away.
During this scene, Witt, hat pulled
down over his eyes, stood to one
side, apparently disinterested in the
proceedings.
Hamilton cracked under question
ing Of detectives early Sunday and
signed a statement in which he ad-
mitS that he fired several shots at
men, including Mr.. Jackson.
According to Hamilton'S purported
confession, Witt plotted with him to
rob the store during the morning,
after they had learned that the
money truck was due.
Witt, in statement to detectives,
assigned no motive for the shooting
and, placing the blame for the muir
der on Hamilton in his alleged adj
missions, denied he knew the pur-S
pose of their armed visit to the
store.
Says Memory Failed
Already Witt is denying he made
a confession and Hamilton, in his
statement, says his memory failed
him after he was struck in the head
by bullet fired by Mr.. Jackson.
Hamilton relates that Witt. E.
friend of his in the Kansas state
penitentiary at Lansing, Kan, came
to his home in lola, Kan, in
stolen car and they came to Indi-
annapolis. Hamilton also declares
that a few days before the Jack
son shooting, they stole at Shelby
vile the car they used in the
holdup.
According to Hamilton, he had a
clip of eight cartridges in his auto
matte pistol when he entered the
store, followed by Witt, who police
say, carried a sawed-of shotgun.
Struck by Bullet
Hamilton said he aimed his gun
at Jackson and store employees be-
hind the cage and ordered them to
stick EN- up" He said after he was
struck in the head by bullet he
did not recall what happened, ex-
cept that he reloaded his gun as he
fled from the store.
Hamilton relates he did not re-
gain consciousness until he was in
a car with Witt and his bride of
few days on the way to Wits home
near Roachdale. He said they left
there and went to lola a few days
later and that he hurled the pistol
in river en- route to his home.
Hamilton is on parole from the
Kansas penitentiary. Witt is an
escaped convict from the same peni-
Tertiary.
Wits parents in Roachdale, Ind,
also are expected to arrive here to
aid their son in his fight against
conviction in connection with the
murder.
Naomi Witt, who married the
murder suspect few days before
the shooting, still is held in the
county Jail as material witness.
Mrs. Witt says she will stick with
her husband to the last.
Hamilton was returned from lola
Saturday afternoon by Detectives
Harry McGlenn and Edward Glenn.
He was taken to headquarters.
where police Immediately reopened
grilling Of the alleged slayer.
Quizzed for Hours
His statement to police did not
come until dawn Sunday, after
several shifts of detectives had
quizzed him. Until he signed the
statement. Hamilton maintained
his alibi that he was in lola the
day Of the shooting, celebrating the
birthday Of his brother, Max.
Prosecuting authorities today an
nounced they will take steps for an
Immediate trial of Hamilton and
Witt. If they are not arraigned to-
day Or Tuesday by special arrange
ment, they are expected to be
herded into criminal court with
other prisoners the first week of
July to enter their pleas.
Under Indiana law, persons
charged with murder must stand
trial, though they admit their
guilt.
Prosecutor Herbert e. Wilson
said he will demand the death |
penalty in both cases. ATTORNEYS
who heretofore have made no ap-
pearance in the Staying case, today |
are expected to take defense steps. |
Think Third Man Involved
Although Hamilton specifically |
stated there was not third man
in the shooting, and Witt said only |
ne and Hamilton were implicated, |
detectives still believe another man
may have been connected with the |
shooting. Doctor or doctors who |
treated the men for their bullet
wounds also are sought.
Other authorities connected with
the investigation Of the shooting as
sert they believe there still is some
one who paid bills for medical
treatment and for transportation.
They point out that both men,
recently married, had not worked
and, failing to obtain money In the
shooting, probably were broke when