Evening star., 1945-06-08
Medley, Facing
Chair, 10 Ask
For New Trial
First-Degree Murder
Conviction Returned
In Boyer Staying

Defense attorneys for Joseph
D. Medley, convicted late yester-
day of first-degree murder in the
killing of Mrs. Nancy Boyer early
March 6, today we're expected to
continue their legal battle to
keep Medley from the electric
chair. The death sentence is
mandatory in a first-degree con-
viction.
The defense has several days in
which to seek a new trial If the
new trial motion is overruled,
Medley probably will be sentenced in
about two weeks.
Defense Attorney James K.
Hughes has indicated he will appeal
the verdict if new trial is denied.
Out Less Than Three Hours.
The jury of nine men and three
women took less than three hours
to find Medley guilty of first-degree
murder and robbery. Medley, an
escaped convict, stood with his
hands clasped behind his back and
betrayed no sign of surprise or shock
at the verdict. Although the court
room was crowded, there was no
demonstration.
Medley was taken back to District
Jail and placed in a cell on a tier
occupied by two other condemned
men-Fred c. Mergner, awaiting
. execution for the Staying of Mrs.
Charlotte Robinson, and Earl Nc
Farland. Marine veteran sentenced
to die for the murder of Dorothy M.
Berrum
Jail officials explained Medley had
been lodged there rather than in his
former cell, for closer supervision"
The flrst-degree verdict, according
to Jail officials, brought no change in
his demeanour.
Lasted Seven Days.
The trial took seven court DAYS
and 60 witnesses were called to
testify. Much Of the evidence con-
cerned the poker party at Mrs
Boyer's Washington House apart
ment which ended with her death
Medley was found guilty on the
first count of the indictment, murder
while perpetrating robbery. The
jury followed the judges instructions
, by ignoring the second count which
was common law first-degree murder
They also found Medley guilty of the
third count, which was robbery
The indictment charged that $500
in cash, fur coat and a diamond
and emerald ring were taken from
Mrs. Boyer by the defendant.
At pm. yesterday word was re-
ceived that the jury was coming out.
BY sos Justice T. Alan Colds
borough was in his place and the
defendant was brought in.
Medley Clasps His Hands.
Medley was working his jaws as if
chewing small piece of gum. He
stood with his hands clasped behind
his back.
The IL Jurors filed in from door
at the left in front of the court
room headed by James S. Mckee,
SO, 1929 Columbia road NV, an in
surance man.
They walked around Medley and
the marshals flanking him and
ssood in an arc behind him.
Mr.. Mckee handed a folded paper,
the indictment, to Marion E. Lewis,
clerk Of the court. 1t was then $40.
Mr.. Lewis asked:
Has the jury agreed upon ver-
:ict?"
Mr.. Mckee said, we have"
Find Defendant Guilty.
Mr.. Lewis asked:
What say you as to the de-
fendant, Joseph D. Medley, on the
first count?"
= Mr.. Mckee said. Guilty as
charged"
y He made the same reply to SINH
lar question concerning the third
count (robbery).
~ In the few minutes the only
movement noted on Medley's face
was a blinking of the eyes and a
momentary gaze at the ceiling.
Medley escaped from Michigan
State Prison in November, taking
s700 of the prisoners money given
him to buy War Bonds. He had
served eight and one-half years on
robbery charge. Although the SEN
tence was 80 to so years, Medley
would have been eligible for parole
! in 18 months. He had been made a |
trusty because of his good conduct.
u When he was arrested in st. Louis
on March 18 he had been linked with |
the death of three women: Mrs.
Boyer, shot in her apartment after
an all-night poker game; Laura
Fischer, %, a New York garment
worker, strangled in New Orleans
hotel, and Mrs. Blanche Zimmer-
man, 38, telephone operator, found
dead in the bathtub of a Chicago
hotel. He was indicted in the Fischer
murder, but no action has been
t. zen in tho Chicana naca