Evening star., 1932-07-09
PARTS OF WOMAN'S
BODY UNEARTHED.
Hand, Arm and Foot Believed
Those OF Mrs. 0rndorff, Miss
ing Since December 29.
Special Dispatch to The Star.

Special Dispatch to The Star.
WINCHESTER, Va, July 9.-That
the body of Mrs. Frances Nicholson
Orndorff, 20, wife of Kermit Orndorf,
Star Tannery mountain farmer, was cut
up ana buried in different places after
her mysterious disappearance last De-
cember 90, was theory on which Fred
erick County authorities were proceed
ing today.
Portions of a woman's body were
found yesterday in a shallow grave 500
yards from the former home of the
Orndorffs by Norman Clark, present oc-
cupant of the house, who noticed a
flock Of buzzards lowering near the
ground. Going to the spot, Clark said
he saw a decomposed hand protruding
above the surface.
Clark called several neighbors, who
shoveled away quantity of earth and
found other portions OF the body in a
burlap sack. Leaving a couple of men
on guard, Clark came here and notified
Commonwealth Attorney Burr P. Har-
riSon and Sheriff Luther Pannett, who
with other officers went to the scene.
Head and Trunk Missing.
On their arrival, digging was contin-
ued, but all that could be found were
one hand, one arm, one foot, one stock
ing, a garter and some bloody clothing.
The head, trunk, another hand and an
other foot were missing. Sheriff Pan
nett said today that although the COM
plete body was not found, he was con-
fident sufficient evidence had been gath
cred to continue holding Orndorff for
his wife's death.
Meanwhile, thes sheriff said, search
will be continued for other portions of
the body believed to be that of Mrs.
Orndorff. 1t was his opinion that after
she had been slain her body was cut up
and buried in different places. Those
portions Of the body found were brought
here last night from the Star Tannery
mountain section. The dismembered
parts and bloody clothing were found
in grave not more than 18 inches or
2 feet deep, the officer said.
Husband RearreSted.
Orndorff, arrested over month ago
and recently released on $4,000 bond
at pIGlulllIldIy 41tdi LIZ dltGI d GU puS
deIicti had not been established, was
found last night at the home of a rela-
tive. some miles away from Star Tan
merry, and rearrested. He had not heard
of the finding of a portion of the body
until officers came into the house.
On the way here in the sheriff's au-
tomobile deputy noticed Orndorff
with his hands under his legs, and on
taking them out he was found to have
a long -bladed knife open. He was i'm
mediotely handcuffed Sheriff Pannett
said he questioned Orndorff, but that
the latter still denied all knowledge of
his wife's whereabouts, a story to which
he has clung tenaciously ever since he
was first arrested.
Wayne C"Pete'D McIlwee, pal Of Orn-
dorff, also arrested recently on a charge
of Staying Mrs Orndorff but dismissed
at the preliminary hearing, was rear
rested and brought to jail here last
night.
Missing Since December 20.
Residents of the Star Tannery sec
ton said Mrs. Orndorf had not been
seen at her home since December %.
Little or no attention was paid to her
absence for a week or two, it being
presumed she was away on a visit.
Finally her husband was asked con-
cerning her whereabouts, and they said
he told them he did not know where
she was People of the neighborhood
said Orndorff did not appear to be
much concerned.
The woman's continued absence was
reported by Star Tannery people to
the authorities, and an intensive search
was made to ascertain whether she was
dead or alive. Sheriff Pannett said
they had traced to Orndorff's author
ship, by handwriting comparisons,
anonymous letters mailed at Toms
Brook, Va, saying Mrs. OrndorH was
alive and all right.