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Warmest City In Nation Today Was KEY WEST 56° VOL. LXXV_ No. 303 Captor Frees Woman 24-Hour Ordeal Ends As Suitor Yields To Cops WAKE FOREST. N. C. (AP) — A_ jealous suitor who had held his girl friend at gun point in a textile mill here for more than 24 hours released her this afternoon and gave up to police with- out a struggle. Graham Timberlake, 31-vear-old textile worker, turned Jessie Eliz- abeth Davis, 30, loose shortly after 12:30 p.m., to end a day and night of horror during which she didn’t know at what moment the derang- ed man might send a bullet crashing into her. Timberlake was spirited out of the mill py officers and rushed to Raleigh. Miss Davis was taken away from the scene immediately in an automobile by members of her family. She was unharmed. End Of Ordeal ‘The long vigil ended when offi- cers showed Timberlake official papers committing him to a North Carolina mental hospital. The com- mitment papers were signed by Dy. C. T. Wilkinson, Wake Forest physician called in by the girl’s family, and Dr. George W. Corbin Jr., of nearby Rollsville. ‘ The textile worker had told offi- cers a short time earlier that he would surrender the girl when he saw the commitment papers. Timberlake was taken directly to Dix Hill State Hospital at Ra- leigh, ‘ The day-and-night-long period of | terror for the pretty Wake Forest woman, who worked in the Royal Cotton Mill with Timberlake began at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday. He Was Jealous ‘The 5 foot 8 inch, 135-pound Tim- berlake, pulled a gun from his pocket and forced her into a small room in the mill. He reportedly was jealous over Miss Davis’ at- tentions to an unidentified soldier. Once this morning Timberlake turned the woman loose so she could make a quick trip to a rest-| room, but during her absence he | held a physician as hostage for her, It was a three-way bargain among Dr. Corbin, Timberlake and Miss Davis that she return and she did. Repeated efforts during the night to drug the man through food or drink failed. He kept his .25 cali- ber automatic pistol pointed almost constantly at the head or stomach cf his prisoner. Officers and friends of both Miss Davis and Timberlake crowd- ed around the door of the tiny room and pleaded for her release. From time to time Timberlake permitted some of his friends, doc- tors and Jessie Elizabeth’s older sister, Petronia, co enter the room and talk with him. Showed Planning Once, Petronia said, Timberlake put his pistol in a pocket, but she couldn’t reach him. The man ap- parently had planned his escapade well and had arranged a barricade (Continued on Page Two) ee Holiday Closing The Monroe County court house will close at moon to- morrow for the Christmas holi- days. It will re-open Monday at 9 , The Poor Old Craig Service Station FRANCIS and TRUMAN Thursday, 4 to 6 P.M. FREE CANDY AND BUBBLE GUM TO ALL CHILDREN ACCOMPANIED BY ADULTS THE SOUTHERNMOST KEY WEST, FLORIDA, WED! ON HIS WAY—Dick Cook, who has walked all over the United States, today was en route to Key West. He passed through St. Augustine last Sunday, pulling his homemade wagon that weighs from 250 to 500 pounds, depending on the amount of supplies in it. He has covered all the states, some 25,000 miles, pulling his wagon. His walking tour began April 1, 1951, and he hasn’t missed many of the towns and cities in the United States. He is from Midland, Mich. While in Key West, he plans to do a little fishing. TALLAHASSEE (®— Sate Sen. George Tapper of Port St. Joe got a vote of confidence from the State Road Board and reinstate- ment of a $204,000 contract to paint the Bahia Honda bridge on the Overseas Highway yesterday. The action was taken on recom- mendation of a committee of en- gineers which said the steel on the bridge was rusting and there was a possibility of “reconciling the personalities” involved in the dis- pute which led to the gancellation. rd he was OP job ‘to prove my sincerity and the integrity of my company.” Board member Francis White- hair of DeLand commented “our faith in the integrity of your com- pany is proved by our asking you to go ahead with the job.” Sub-Contractor Tapper, who had taken the job under sub-contract from Gunite Associates of Miami, asked the board two weeks ago to cancel the | contract after a controversy arose | over whether he was following} specifications. Chief Bridge Engineer W. E. Dean of the Road Department was spokesman for a three man com- mittee of engineers named by the Library Gets 175 Books As Special Gift The Key West Woman's Club library has received a gift of 175 books from the State of Rhode Island and the Providence Plantations through the Rhode Island State Library’s book pool for the Armed Forces. Receipt of the gift was announc- ed by Mrs. J. Edgar Willing at the club's Christmas meeting held Tuesday. Nearly half of the books are brand new fiction and the remain- der are from the book pool. Librarian’s Interest The gift was the result of the interest of Dr. Grace M. Sherwood, Rhode Island State Librarian, who | visited Mrs. Willing here last year. | She became interested in the lo- cal library and the fact that there was no municipal library in the city. The present library, housed in the Woman's Club at 319 Duval | Street, has long been a project of} the club and for many years de-| rived its entire support from that group. In recent years they have re- ceived help from the city and from | the service clubs of Key West. | Dr. Sherwodd was able to send the books to the Key West library becase of the number of service | personnel who use its facilities. CHRISTMAS SPECIAL! | BALLANTINE BEER $4.95 Case Einhorn’s Variety Store board to inquire into the painting job. Dean said the committee made a thorough investigation in view of the publicity given the Bahia Honda controversy. “Unquestionably there was a basis in fact for most of the stuff carried by the newspapers but some things were exaggerated,” Dean told the board. Minor Irregularities “There were minor irregulari- | ties, such as using 400 gallons of a cheaper paint than called for by the specifications, using paint of a differgnt-color and failing to“ pre- heat the steel to be painted,” Dean said. He added that the committee felt that the “integrity of the job wis not seriously impaired.” The committee spokesman said | the three engineers agreed that} Tapper should be paid $71,260 for work already done—about 35 per | cent of the entire work—but that | $8,857 should be ‘deducted for the unauthorized variations from spec- ifications by the contractor. Dean said he had discussed the | matter with Tapper and he was} agreeable to proceeding under | conditions outlined. Other members of the commit- tee were chief engineer Robert T. Gupton and maintenance engineer Robrt Bannerman. Start Of Controversy The controversy «rose when Winston Carlton, district engireer at Fort Lauderdale, refused to ap- prove vouchers submitted by Tap- per for work already done on the ground that he had not followed specifically, particularly with ref- erence to sand blasting. Gupton, as chief engineer, over- ruled Carlton and approved the vouchers. He said Tapper was cor- rect in sand blasting only the bare areas of the steel. Tapper asked cancellation of the contract and also cancellation of his prime % million dollar con- tract to paint the Seven Mile Bridge contract stands. Man Is Jailed In Beating Here Al Lessard, of the Key Wester Hotel is in the city jail today for investigation in connection with the beating of a Casa Marina Hotel bell-boy, police said today. Police said that the beating vic- tim, identified as Burdette Fisher, 23, told them he met Lessard in a Duval St. bar and when they en- tered his automobile, Lessard at- tacked him, beat him severely a- bout the head and took one dollar from his wallet. Fisher was found to be suffering from cuts and brui- $204,000 Bahia Honda Bridge |Probe Into Painting Contract Reinstated Diver’s Death Ends Today Investigation Board To Evaluate And Study Facts The Navy board probing the death of Paul M. Sweat, 28-year-old diver, today concluded its hearings. This mogning’s , witness was Lt. Ca Nay doctor: ‘who - perfo: autopsy on Sweat. Sweat died Dec. 14 in the re- compression chamber of the sub- marine rescue vessel Penguin af- ter a routine dive to 265 feet, Further Action Cdr. James M. Hingson, Com- mander Submarine Division 122 and who heads the board of inves- tigation, said the board will study the testimony of the 10 men in- terviewed and the statements of “five or six” others who were a- board the Penguin at the time. “It make take four or five days to tabulate and study all the facts,” Cdr. Hingson said. “Then we will be ready with our opinion.” Briefly, Dr. Austin’s autopsy findings were: That Sweat died under pressure, there were gas bubbles thoughout | the body but not predominately in any part, there was congestion in all the large organs as would be expected in a severe case of the bends, there was no evidence of damage to the brain, a small area in the right lung was ruptured but Dr. Austin said he has found this condition in other autopsies where air was not present, Report on Record The autopsy report was placed in the records of the investigation. Cdr, Hingson said Sweat’s death was the second since diving with | a helium - oxygen mixture first was used in 1935, The first diving death with the mixture was in Washington in 1945. Cdr. Hingson said that both Eng- land and France were closely watching the U. S. Navy’s work with helium and oxygen for deep- se diving. The record depth with the mix- ture is 561 feet. “This board,” Cdr. Hingson add- ed, “has a great responsibility in determining any contributing cause of the death.” The Penguin was anchored off Pelican Shoals on a diver training | exercise when Sweat, a diver first class, made his last dive He was conscious when hoisted to the deck but collapsed about one minute later, ses and a possibly dislocated jaw. Lessard was arrested later by | Police Lt. W. L. James. NOTICE Auto Safety Inspection will be held on Monday, Dec. 27th, and Monday, Jan. 3rd, between 9-12, because of the holidays. The regular inspection day will start again on Saturday, Jan. Sth. 629 DUVAL STREET “Home of Cold Beer” Now Appearing NEWSPAPER INESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1954 Che Ken West Citisen IN THE U.S.A. reach tenant: DIAL For Quick Communication, Use CLASSIFIED Ads! You']] buyers and sellers— is or workers - Just 2-5661 or 2-5662 Today PRICE FIVE CENTS Sewer Project Is Given Final Apvroval Toda Government Engineer Says Design, Workmanship Good Sheppard’s Lawyers To Seek | New Trial After Tues. Verdict | By RELMAN MORIN CLEVELAND (® — Sam Shep- pard, his brother said, was al- ways “very special.” He was popular, handsome, a successful brain surgeon, married fo an attractive woman, and the father of a T-year-old boy he adores. But today, Dr. Samuel Sheppard faces the shadow of a life in prison. A jury found him guilty of kill- ing his wife, Marilyn but returned a verdict of second-degree mur- der, which does not carry the death penalty. Before life sentence ‘was pronounced, Sheppard said in a firm, clear voice, “I am not guilty.” His lawyers announced they will appeal for a new trial. If it is denied, or goes against him a sec- ond time, he will be in prison at least 10 years. Then he would be eligible to apply for parole. His 31st birthday comes week from today. Strange Case The Sheppard murder was a strange case, Last July 4, in the dark, early- morning hours, Marilyn Sheppard was beaten to death as she Jay in bed. She was four months preg- nant. Sheppard told police, when daylight came, that a powerfully busit marauder committed the crime and knocked him uxt w! zn one ivé, that same morning, T think you did it.” It took nine weeks, thereafter, to try the case. The state said Sheppard was in- volved with other women. One of them, Susan Hayes, came from California to testify as a prosecu- tion witness. She is 24, slim, au- burn-haired and attractive. She admitted intimate relations with the doctor. He denied them, at first, but also admitted later that what she said was true. Key Questions The prosecution asked two key | questions during the trial: 1. If there was a maniacal killer standing by Marilyn Sheppard’s bed when her husband ran into the bedroom, why didn’t he strike down, and possibly murder, Shep- pard as well? | 2. Who arranged the downstairs | rooms to give the appearance that a burglary had been committed, although nothing of value was | missing? If Sheppard didn't do this, who did? In reply, the defense repeatedly challenged the state’s attorneys to show a motive. What reason, they asked, could Sheppard have had |to murder his wife? Susan Hayes jhad testified that he told her he |“loved his wife very dearly, but not as a wife.” Last Friday morning, the jury {of seven men and five women re- |tired to weigh the evidence. | Yesterday, at 4:12 p.m. — 101 hours and 59 minutes later — the buzzer sounded in the courtroom, signifying they had at last reached a verdict. Family Stands By Sheppard’s two older brothers, together with their attractive wives Betty and Dorothy were in court, as they had been every day through the long wait. Both broth- ers are osteopathic surgeons, like the accused man. Stephen is the cre who had testified, ‘We always considered Sam very special.” He tried, but failed to read |James Thurber’s humorous book “My World—and Welcome to it” while the suddenly silent room was | ightly At The Casa Marina JOE CANDULLO and His Famous Orchestra LOUIS and LEE VALENTO, Dance Stylists ————————— MR. CANDULLO and His Orchestra Will Play Every Day In Our Patio for Luncheon, Dinner, and Late Dancing Never A Cover or Minimum Charge! Key Westers and Visitors Are Cordially Welcomed for Luncheon, Dinner or Dancing in the Patio! BETTY MADIGAN FAMOUS M.G.M. RECORDING STAR WILE OPEN A LIMITED ENGAGEMENT IN OUR PATIO, MONDAY, DEC. 27 | party, was pulled lifeless from the | sank last night. The crew escaped. waiting for a policeman to bring Sam Sheppard into court. It was 20 minutes before the} accused man came into the court- room. He sat down between two of his lawyers, William J. Corrigan and Arthur Petersilge. He talked to them for a brief instant, then leaned back in his chair. His eyes were closed. He was clenching his hands so tightly that his knuckles turned white. Jury Returns In another moment, the jury filed inte their seats. None of them so much as peeked at him. Then Judge Edward Blythin took the bench. His first words were to caution against any demonstra- tions. Then he asked the jurors if they had arrived at a verdict. The foreman said they had. A bailiff collected five sheets of paper, each containing a possible sentence — First-degree murder, first-degree murder with recommendation for manslaughter and acquittal. Blythin went through the slips until he found the one that was signed. It read: “We, the members of the jury, find the defendant not guilty of first-degree murder—.” A gasp, a rustle of sound, arose from spectators in the jam-packed | back benches. The judge paused momentarily, appare inter- Tupted, and shot a sharp glange toware ‘he back of the room.-Then, \@ finned the sentence — ‘ guilty of second-degree murder.’ Sheppard had opened his eyes. He closed them again. Maintains Innocence The judge ordered him to rise and stand before the high bench. And he asked if he had anything to say before sentence was pro- nounce, Sheppard said: “I would like to say here that I am not guilty and I feel there has been proof presented that has definite- ly proved I could not have per- formed this crime.” Corrigan, defiant and aggressive as always, said he would file no- tice of intention to appeal next Friday. The judge set Dec. 30 for the hearing on it. Mrs. Richard Sheppard’s face was bathed in tears. Stephen and Betty Sheppard quickly left the courtroom. Richard said, “A great injustice has been done.” Sam Shepard was manacled and led back to his cell before any- one else could talk to him. Later, a bailiff said Sheppard himself told his fellow prisoners about the verdict. “They found me guity in the second degree.”’ Still later an Official said, ‘‘He’s back to nor- mal.” Body Of Missing Boy Is Found MIAMI, Fla. — A 5-year-old handicapped boy, who disappeared three days ago from a Christmas Miami River today. The body of Shapley Lalor dressed in a red jacket and green trousers, was found by George Brown, a fish dealer. The child who couldn’t talk, has been de- scribed by newspapers, radio and television during the three days he was missing. He was one of five children en- tertained at a Shrine Christmas party Saturday. When attendants were unable to find him, police were called and the search began. FREIGHTER BURNS MARSEILLE — A freighter loaded with inflammable chemi- cals caught fire at a dock and Sputy The completion of the ceived final approval today Key West sewer project re« from the U. S. Housing and Home Finance Administration, one of the federal agen- cies that aided the city in fin job. In announcing the mov ancing the two-million dollar ve, Jack Brennan, a district engineer for the HHF Aspronounced the project “one of the RETIRING COMMISSIONER County Commissioner Frank Bentley was honored by his fellow commissioners with a dinner at Logun’s Lobster House Monday night. Bentley concludes 10 years -of service next month when William Free- man, Jr., takes over his post. Gerald Saunders, commission chairman, presented Bentley with a fitted traveling case. BULLETIN CHARGE DROPPED MIAMI, Fla. (®%) — The state attorney’s office announced to- day it is dropping the first de- gree murder charge against James T. Roberts of Baltimore in the kidnap-slaying of his 7- year-old daughter, Judith Ann. Police Hg. Has Holiday Cheer The Christmas spirit has invad- ed nolice headquar‘ers. First, a handsome Christmas tree, orilliantly decorated, put in| an appearance. And then Police Chief Bienveni- do Perez passed out a gift of a monogrammed key case to each Police officer under his command, | And today police announced that deserving prisoners in the city jail | will be pardoned in time to spend | Christmas at home. Police added that they will con- tinue their annual policy of offering | free rides home to persons who may have imbibed too deeply of Yule cheer at Christmas parties. They urged Key Westers and win- ter visitors to phone them at 2- 3011 before getting into their cars if they have been drinking. Police Lauded Robert Miller, a Navy officer who lives at 1911 Staples Ave. was enthusaistic Tuesday in his praise of the Key West Police Department. Miller said that at 4 a. m. Tues- day he phoned police to report a prowler attempting to gain en-! trance to his home. | At 4:07 a. m., Miller added, po-| lice arrived at his home with a suspect in custody. Awning Windows Serinihidbieadbiee 120 SIMONTON ST., near Bank best I have ever seen.” Brennan, along with other government engineers, gave the project a final inspec- tion Tuesday, Earlier, the sewer project had been given final approval by the Public Health Administration, the other federal agency participating in the two-year-old program. Varied Phases The PHA inspection covered the disposal and treatment phase of the project, while the HHFA was res- Pponsible for the construction of the collection lines. “We think the City of Key West got a good job,” said Brennan, “It was well designed and the work- manship was ef a high standard.” One indication of the quality of the design and workmanship, said Brennan, is that during the eve- ning hours when there is only a small amount of sewage entering the system, only one small pump in the main. collection is in opera- tion, indicating that there is a very slight amount of infiltration of ground water in the sewer system, Little Infiltration Brennan added that what infil- tration there is, probably occurs in the small portion of the old WPA-built sewer line still connect- ed to the new sewer. Brennan also expressed the opin- ion that the new sewer will take care of the city’s needs for a long time to come. He pointed out that the seven pumping stations are equipped with pumps large enough to take care of future additions to the sewer system as the city grows. Pavement Program While the sewerage phase of the program has been completed, Bren- nan pointed out that his agency will continue to supervise the huge pavement replacement project slate ed to get under way shortly, The street prograi is being fi- nanced partially with money left over from sewer constructon funds, Federal engineers, who main- tained a close check — about every two weeks — on the job, also said that every penny spent on the Pro- ject had been accounted for. The government agencies made an outright grant to the city of $971,914 for the project, and gave a second lien mortgage for an add- itional $300,000. The city then floay jed a $900,000 revenue bond issue | as its share of the financing. \1T’S COLD THERE, TOO MEXICO CITY —Mexico shive jered today in the coldest weather jit has felt in many years. The temperature dropped to 12 degrees js Mexico City. Jaycees Invite Kids To Party _ All Key West children are invited to the annual Christmas Party of the Junior Chamber of Commerce. The party begins at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow in Bayview Park. Santa Claus will be there with Gifts for all the kids. They also will see @ giant, lighted display, depicting Santa, his sleigh, and nine reindeer, including Ru- dolph. __ TONY'S RESTAURANT 808 SIMONTON STREET Will Be Open Thursday, December 23 Closed Christmas Day SERVING SPECIAL Christmas Eve Dinner Spanish and American Style Complete Dinners $1.85