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Story
August 21, 1931
Imperial Valley Press
El Centro, Imperial County, California
What is this article about?
In Los Angeles, a deadlocked jury of seven women and five men deliberates the murder trial of attorney David H. Clark for killing Herbert Spencer after 21 hours, with rumors of 10-2 for acquittal. Clark paces nervously but expects acquittal; his wife shows strain.
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JURY CONTINUES TO DELIBERATE CLARK'S FATE
Seven Women And Five Men Show No Sign Of Agreement Yet.
By GEORGE H. BEALE
United Press Staff Correspondent
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 21. (U.P.)-
Seeming to be hopelessly deadlocked, the jurors who heard evidence in the trial of David H. Clark, 33-year-old attorney accused of the murder of Herbert Spencer, editor of a political magazine, continued their deliberations here today.
No official word came from the chamber where the seven women and five men carried on their considerations but as hour after hour went by the impression grew that they would be unable to reach any verdict.
As the jurors filed out for lunch a report was circulated that they were balloting 10 to 2 for acquittal. The rumor was without any official basis but it was widely discussed in the courtroom.
At that time the jurors had had the case approximately 21 hours although only a little more than 7 hours had been used in actual deliberation.
Judge Stanley Murray refused to comment on the matter but it was believed he would keep the jury out until late Saturday night, if a verdict was not returned before that time.
Only once during the morning hours did the jury ring the buzzer which connects its chamber with the courtroom.
Then usual excitement prevailed in the courtroom as everyone prepared for a verdict. A bailiff rushed to the jury chamber and then returned to report that the jury wanted some ice water.
Accused Nervous
During last night's deliberations the jury rang once to ask when it was to eat and then rang again, after it had eaten, to ask for aid for a juror's indigestion.
As the jury attempted to decide the future of Clark, the admitted slayer of both Spencer and Charles Crawford, politician, he paced nervously in his cell in the county jail.
He still expressed confidence that he would be acquitted and claimed that there was no unfavorable significance in the length of time the jury was taking in considering the case.
"This waiting is a bit of a strain I'll admit," he said. "But there's nothing strange in a murder jury being out as long as this one has and I still feel sure I'll be acquitted."
"I had, of course, hopes for a quick verdict," Clark said.
One of the first persons to enter Judge Murray's courtroom today was the defendant's wife, Nancy, pretty blonde.
She denied that she had collapsed last night but she admitted she was slightly ill from the nervous strain of the trial.
Seven Women And Five Men Show No Sign Of Agreement Yet.
By GEORGE H. BEALE
United Press Staff Correspondent
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 21. (U.P.)-
Seeming to be hopelessly deadlocked, the jurors who heard evidence in the trial of David H. Clark, 33-year-old attorney accused of the murder of Herbert Spencer, editor of a political magazine, continued their deliberations here today.
No official word came from the chamber where the seven women and five men carried on their considerations but as hour after hour went by the impression grew that they would be unable to reach any verdict.
As the jurors filed out for lunch a report was circulated that they were balloting 10 to 2 for acquittal. The rumor was without any official basis but it was widely discussed in the courtroom.
At that time the jurors had had the case approximately 21 hours although only a little more than 7 hours had been used in actual deliberation.
Judge Stanley Murray refused to comment on the matter but it was believed he would keep the jury out until late Saturday night, if a verdict was not returned before that time.
Only once during the morning hours did the jury ring the buzzer which connects its chamber with the courtroom.
Then usual excitement prevailed in the courtroom as everyone prepared for a verdict. A bailiff rushed to the jury chamber and then returned to report that the jury wanted some ice water.
Accused Nervous
During last night's deliberations the jury rang once to ask when it was to eat and then rang again, after it had eaten, to ask for aid for a juror's indigestion.
As the jury attempted to decide the future of Clark, the admitted slayer of both Spencer and Charles Crawford, politician, he paced nervously in his cell in the county jail.
He still expressed confidence that he would be acquitted and claimed that there was no unfavorable significance in the length of time the jury was taking in considering the case.
"This waiting is a bit of a strain I'll admit," he said. "But there's nothing strange in a murder jury being out as long as this one has and I still feel sure I'll be acquitted."
"I had, of course, hopes for a quick verdict," Clark said.
One of the first persons to enter Judge Murray's courtroom today was the defendant's wife, Nancy, pretty blonde.
She denied that she had collapsed last night but she admitted she was slightly ill from the nervous strain of the trial.
What sub-type of article is it?
Crime Story
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Crime Punishment
Justice
What keywords are associated?
Jury Deliberation
Murder Trial
Deadlocked Jury
Acquittal Rumor
David Clark
What entities or persons were involved?
David H. Clark
Herbert Spencer
Charles Crawford
Judge Stanley Murray
Nancy Clark
George H. Beale
Where did it happen?
Los Angeles
Story Details
Key Persons
David H. Clark
Herbert Spencer
Charles Crawford
Judge Stanley Murray
Nancy Clark
George H. Beale
Location
Los Angeles
Event Date
Aug. 21
Story Details
The jury, consisting of seven women and five men, continues deliberating the fate of David H. Clark, accused of murdering Herbert Spencer, after 21 hours with no verdict. Rumors suggest a 10-2 vote for acquittal. Clark remains confident of acquittal despite the strain. His wife Nancy appears strained but denies collapse.