WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 1956

Wednesday, March 14, 1956

HEADLINE: TRIAL OF TAYLOR CASE WILL OPEN MONDAY, APRIL 2

Suspect in Lindbergh Slaying to Go on Trial for Life in the U.S. Court


James P. Taylor, 30 year old Detroit ex-convict, goes on trial for his life in Minneapolis federal court April 2. Taylor is charged with the murder of Kenneth Lindbergh, TRF bank cashier who disappeared from the Northern State Bank here on November 12.


Taylor is charged in a four count grand jury an indictment with forgery, bank robbery, interstate transportation of stolen securities, and the murderer. $15,920 in silver and travelers checks were found to be missing from the bank after Lindbergh disappeared.
On conviction of the killing of any person in connection with the theft of funds from a federally insured bank, federal statutes provide that an offender may be punished by death if the jury so directs.


In settling a definite date for the trial in the spring term court, Judge Gunnar Nordbye also denied a request by defense attorney, Irving Nemerov, that the case would be tried without jury.


Nemerov had argued numerous motions before the court last week, maintaining that because of widespread publicity given the case, a fair trial by an impartial jury would not be possible at this time.


He said that news stories, telling of Lindbergh’s disappearance and the finding of his body near clear Lake on November 25, were sensational and inflammatory affecting the deepest human sympathies.
He was particularly critical of several news stories, quoting Taylor’s foster father and government officials at Minneapolis. The stories reveal guilt feelings on the part of the foster father who called his young Taylor an incorrigible waste.


Any person who is read that story, Nemerov contended can never forget it.


George MacKinnon, United States District Attorney, who is directing the prosecution of the government’s case, refused Nemerov’s request that MacKinnon stipulate for the court record that radio and television news coverage of the case has been extensive as that of the newspapers.
He also informed the court that $801 found on Taylor’s person when arrested by the FBI in Joplin, Missouri had been garnished by the American Express Co., one of the issuers of the traveler’s checks involved.


Nemerov had sought a court order releasing the funds to Taylor to cover defense expenses.


Nemerov and Walter Riordan had been appointed by Judge Nordbye to defend Taylor when the latter pleaded lack of funds to hire an attorney. They received no compensation for their services.


Not including the $801 previously mentioned, $9,555 or about 60% of the missing funds have been recovered.
Travelers checks amounting to $7,800 were left at a Detroit bank where Taylor is said to have sought to open a checking account for Charles D. Kenwell, and one - $20 travelers check was found on his person when arrested.
Only $20 of the $1750 in silver has not been recovered. $1530 was in the trunk of Lindbergh’s car which was found abandoned in Minneapolis.


Another $200 in silver was found near the frozen body which had been discovered near Little Crescent Lake in Sherburne County by three young lads who lived nearby.
FBI agents had indicated that a search would be made of the area and lake bottom, and hope that the murder instrument might be found. Lindbergh was killed by several blows on the back of the head by some type of bladed instrument.


Taylor had been released on October 29 from a federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana where he had served a term for interstate transportation of a stolen car.
He had previously served to other prison terms for impersonating a federal officer and forgery.


Lindbergh disappeared after a Saturday afternoon conference with a stranger who had given the name of Herbert Johnson, one of the many aliases which the government charges Taylor used.


At least 12 Thief River Falls residents who testified at the grand jury hearing, are expected to be subpoenaed as witnesses during the forthcoming trial.

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