Evening star., 1935-03-05
Tells Coroner's Jury She
Called "Good Night, Dar-
ling" to Him.
SAYS HE DIDN'T KNOW
TERMS OF HEIRESS' WILL
II Loved My Wife and Wasn't
Interested in Monetary
Affairs" He Says.
BY JOHN II. CLINE.
Staff Correspondent of The Star.

Staff Correspondent of The Star.
PINEHURST, N. c.. March 5.-Be-
fore a gaping crowd of socially proml-
nent spectators, H. Bradley Davidson,
jr., of Washington, D. c., today gave
a coroners jury a graphic account of
the events proceeding the mysterious
death of his 22-year-old bride.
The wife, formerly Miss Elva Stat
Ter. adopted daughter of the late mil
lionaire chain hotel owner. was found
dead in the garage on their fashion,
able estate here last Wednesday
morning.
Davidson said he last saw his bride
of two months when he kissed her
good night about five hours before
she was found dead.
He said they occupied adjoining
rooms. and that few minutes later
she called to him: Good night.
darling"
Denies Income Statement.
The husband Indignantly denied
saying he intended to live on his
wifes income, but admitted he gave
d
quest to live with her here.
Standing fast in the face of ques-
tions framed in an effort to show he
knew he was principal beneficiary
under her will, Davidson denied
knowing the contents of the docu-
ment.
"She asked me to read it." he
said. "but I never did so. I loved
her and wasn't interested in monetary
affairs"
Were you ever abusive toward
your wife?" Pruette asked.
"Of course. say no." he replied.
II should say it was just the con-
trary"
He said he had talked to a doctor
concerning her physical condition.
I'VE both wanted child" he said,
''but we were afraid her health
wouldn't stand it,"
He added it developed later she was
not going to have child.
Davidson, in answer to question
said he had played golf the day after
he returned from his wife's funeral
II felt that had to do something"
Davidson told the jury his wife
suffered head injury some time ago
which necessitated insertion of
silver plate.
This injury made her nervous at
times and caused severe headaches.
She wouldn't take drugs, but often
went for rides in the early morning.
This seemed to relieve her"
M. G. Boyette, attorney for David
son. then asked several questions
designed to show the latter's willing
ness to cooperate with investigators.
Davidson said he agreed to an
autopsy reluctantly" because he
didn't like the idea of his wife's body
being handled in this manner.
Husband Called First.
Prosecutor Pruette opened the in
quest at 1915. Witnesses who went
with the heiress on her last party were
excluded from the room. Davidson,
although present with his brother,
Richard. was not asked to leave.
The spectators gasped when Pruette
called Davidson as the first wit
ness. A litter of laughter ran through
the room when the solicitor found
himself without a Bible to swear the
witness. The coroner produced one
from his car.
Davidson was grim of face as the
State began its questioning. He testi-
fled he was married January 3, coming
to Pinehurst shortly thereafter.
Coming down to the night before
his bride met her mysterious death,
Davidson said he and his wife and
their house guests. Mr.. and Mrs. Curtis
Campaigne, had dinner at their home.
He testified they had tea at S
o'clock and one highball before dinner
Denies Being Intoxicated.
"We had nothing to drink after
dinner" he said, "and We left for
the charity ball about II pm. We
had perhaps two drinks there. I
danced twice with my wife"
At l:30 am. he said, the party left
the dance and went to MonteSantis
spaghetti house.
Were you intoxicated after getting
there?" Pruette asked. Il was not"
CONTINUED on Page S, Column 1.)