The Topeka State Journal

HIS JOB IS PRICE

Ex-Husband of Mrs. Obenchain Fired by Firm.

Objected to His Rushing to Defense of Woman.

LOVE NOTE NOW THE PIVOT

Was Slipped Into Her Hand on Eve of Wedding.

To Prove Her Love for Mysteriously Murdered Man.

Chicago, Aug. 16.-Ralph S. Obenchain, who was called the "man in a million" when he went to the aid of his former wife, Mrs. Madalynne Obenchain, accused in Los Angeles of the murder of J. Belton Kennedy, is out of a job today.

Obenchain was employed as an attorney for the Aetna Insurance company. The company objected to Obenchain going to Los Angeles, claiming that his connection with the case already had brought the company sufficient notoriety.

When Obenchain insisted on going to Los Angeles, the firm terminated his connection with it.

Ex-Hubby Leads Defense.

Los Angeles, Aug. 16.-Ralph S. Obenchain, Chicago attorney, whose divorced wife, Mrs. Madalynne Conner Obenchain, is jointly accused with Arthur C. Burch of Kennedy's murder, announced today that plans are being made to fight the legal battle for Mrs. Obenchain's and Burch's freedom with every available resource.

He asserted that a positive defense would be made and an effort made "not only to prove Mrs. Obenchain and Burch innocent, but to try to solve the mystery of the crime and find out who did the shooting."

It became known today that no transcript was taken of the grand jury proceedings when Burch and Mrs. Obenchain were indicted. It is not required by statute. Consequently, the defense will find it necessary to question all witnesses summoned before the inquisitorial body to learn exactly what evidence the state has obtained.

She Lost Love Note.

A secret love note received by Mrs. Madalynne Obenchain, indicted with Arthur C. Burch for the murder of J. Belton Kennedy, on the day she was married to Ralph S. Obenchain, now her divorced husband, in Los Angeles about a year and a half ago, was sought today as new corroboration of her story.

The note written by Kennedy was said to have been slipped into Mrs. Obenchain's hand and read by her while she still wore her bridal gown, only a few minutes after she and Obenchain had been wedded.

That such a note was sent to Mrs. Obenchain by Kennedy on her wedding day was revealed by Mrs. Thelma Smith of Los Angeles, Mrs. Obenchain's cousin. Mrs. Smith said it was known to her and several others that Mrs. Obenchain received the letter, which was sent by special delivery.

The love note, now missing, became an important new element in the case, because it was claimed it will be substantiation of Mrs. Obenchain's story that her love for Kennedy was reciprocated and denial of the prosecution's theory that she pursued the man who was slain.

Whether Obenchain, who is in Los Angeles to direct Mrs. Obenchain's defense, knew of the note sent to his wife by Kennedy on the day she was married was uncertain. Obenchain has been quoted as saying he permitted Mrs. Obenchain to obtain a divorce because he learned she really loved Kennedy.