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Story
April 23, 1943
The Ypsilanti Daily Press
Ypsilanti, Washtenaw County, Michigan
What is this article about?
Robert E. Lee Folkes, a Los Angeles man, was convicted by an Oregon jury of first-degree murder in the January 23 slaying of Mrs. Martha Virginia James aboard a Southern Pacific train, resulting in a mandatory death sentence in the gas chamber.
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Folkes Facing Death Penalty
Albany, Ore, Apr. 23-INS- A sentence of death in the Oregon gas chamber hung over Robert E. Lee Folkes, Los Angeles negro, today following his conviction to first degree murder in the "Lower 13" slaying of Mrs. Martha Virginia James.
The jury of eight women and four men doomed the youthful dining car cook by refusing to recommend leniency. Under Oregon law the verdict carries a mandatory death sentence.
Folkes was convicted of slashing the throat of the pretty bride of a Navy ensign when she resisted him in lower 13 berth of a Southern Pacific Limited Jan 23.
The jury reached its verdict after nearly a day and a half of deliberation. Neither Folkes nor his mother who sat in the audience, betrayed emotion when the verdict was read.
Defense Attorney Leroy Lomax, Jr, however, allowed his voice to tremble as he demanded that the jury be polled.
As Judge L. Guy Lewelling proceeded to ask each jury whether he approved the verdict, Lomax interrupted to ask that he be allowed to refer to the Oregon code.
"I know how to poll a jury," Judge Lewelling snapped.
To his question, "Is this your verdict?" each juror replied "yes".
Sentence will be pronounced Monday.
Albany, Ore, Apr. 23-INS- A sentence of death in the Oregon gas chamber hung over Robert E. Lee Folkes, Los Angeles negro, today following his conviction to first degree murder in the "Lower 13" slaying of Mrs. Martha Virginia James.
The jury of eight women and four men doomed the youthful dining car cook by refusing to recommend leniency. Under Oregon law the verdict carries a mandatory death sentence.
Folkes was convicted of slashing the throat of the pretty bride of a Navy ensign when she resisted him in lower 13 berth of a Southern Pacific Limited Jan 23.
The jury reached its verdict after nearly a day and a half of deliberation. Neither Folkes nor his mother who sat in the audience, betrayed emotion when the verdict was read.
Defense Attorney Leroy Lomax, Jr, however, allowed his voice to tremble as he demanded that the jury be polled.
As Judge L. Guy Lewelling proceeded to ask each jury whether he approved the verdict, Lomax interrupted to ask that he be allowed to refer to the Oregon code.
"I know how to poll a jury," Judge Lewelling snapped.
To his question, "Is this your verdict?" each juror replied "yes".
Sentence will be pronounced Monday.
What sub-type of article is it?
Crime Story
What themes does it cover?
Crime Punishment
Justice
What keywords are associated?
Death Penalty
Murder Conviction
Train Slaying
Oregon Trial
First Degree Murder
What entities or persons were involved?
Robert E. Lee Folkes
Mrs. Martha Virginia James
Leroy Lomax, Jr
L. Guy Lewelling
Where did it happen?
Albany, Ore
Story Details
Key Persons
Robert E. Lee Folkes
Mrs. Martha Virginia James
Leroy Lomax, Jr
L. Guy Lewelling
Location
Albany, Ore
Event Date
Jan 23 To Apr. 23
Story Details
Robert E. Lee Folkes convicted of first-degree murder for slashing the throat of Mrs. Martha Virginia James in a train berth on Jan 23; jury refuses leniency, mandating death sentence under Oregon law; verdict read without emotion from defendant or mother, attorney requests polling.