The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-02-09
YELLING Jury
ACCEPTED BY
PROSECUTION
Defense Closely Questions
TaIeSmen on Prejudice
Against Coroner.
BRIDE BID is CHARGED
Action Is Rapid in First
Session of Trial of
County Official.

Selection of a jury to try Coroner
Fred w. Vehling on bride solicita-
ton charge moved rapidly in GRIM
inal court today, with the state ten
tatively accepting the jury late in
the forenoon session.
-Four prospective jurors were ex-
cused on state peremptory chal-
lenges, and defense attorneys this
afternoon grilled the veniremen.
The state confined its questions to
general phases, but stressed prob
able prejudice Of veniremen and
whether talesmen believed a county
official should pay criminal penalty
al he were convicted of the charge.
Sudden passing of the jury by the
state was a surprise to attorneys and
spectators.
Quizzed on Prejudice
Defense attorneys questioned the
talesmen more slowly, seeking to
learn if there existed prejudice
against a county coroner who also
operated an undertaking business.
Each was asked whether he had
any dealings with Vehling or other
indianapolis or Marion county
funeral directors.
The states peremptory challenges
brought dismissal of Dan Killion.
1904 Fletcher avenue; Aleck Math-
ley, Oaklandon; Richard Newkirk,
Warren township, and William Off,
1851 Washington boulevard. Off
said he was well acquainted with
Vehling and his relatives.
For the purpose of expediting
questioning, Fred c. Cause, special
judge, asked prospective jurors a
series of questions when court
opened.
Family Is Present
Vehling is surrounded by mem
bers of his family, and Thomas
MCGEE and Fred Barrett, attorneys.
Eph Inman of the defense is i'll at
his home.
George Sheehan, indianapolis at
torney, under indictment as sus-
pect in a New York bond theft last
fall, also is a member of the de-
Tense counsel.
Quizzing Luther Pottage, 927 East
Tabor street, defense counsel
learned he had read The Times
during the expose of charges against
'Vehling before the grand jury
opened its probe.
When defense attorneys sought to
excuse him for cause, Cause took
up the questioning and ruled Pot
tage remain on the panel, after the
prospective juror said. he had
formed no opinion.
Vehling is being tried, after sew
eral delays, for an alleged attempt
to obtain $3.50 from relatives of
Benjamin Stickel, gas victim, who
succumbed in his home, 3S1 East
Tenth street, last March.
Threat Is Alleged
The state charges Vehling threat
ened to return a suicide verdict I'M
less he received the money. Under
his act relatives would not have
received double indemnity on insur-
ance policies as provided in acct
dental death.
The states case is being presented
by Prosecutor Herbert E. Wilson.
Floyd Mattice. chief deputy prose-
cutor, and Oscar Hagemeier, grand
jury deputy.
Other members of the tentatively
accepted panel, in addition to Pot
tage, are: Hamilton M. Leonard,
Franklin township; S. j. Van Sickle.
Warren township; R. w. Nelson,
5l30 East Michigan street; George
Perry 4542 North Delaware street;
Elmer Raeburn, near Southport:
Clay Loves Acton; Clarence Lau-
terbur, near New Bethel; William
Neese, Wayne township; Harry
Templeton. 6216 Park avenue;
James j. Talbert, 6243 Park avenue,
and Walter Wachstetter, Warren
township
Prior to opening of the trial it
was expected a week would b. con-
sumed in jury selection. States
attorneys say they can present their
evidence in three days.