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City Detectives' Theory of Phagan Murder Outlined Atlanta JournalSunday, May 11th, 1913 The Journal Presents First Complete Statement of Case Solicitor and His Investigators Seek to Build HOW DETECTIVES THINK CRIME WAS COMMITTED They Maintain That Mary Phagan Was Left Unconscious in Factory Near Midday and Killed Later in Afternoon For the first time since the lifeless body of pretty fourteen-year-old Mary Phagan was found in the basement of the National Pencil factory, this morning two weeks ago, The Journal is enabled to make public the theory of the city detectives and others investigating the murder mystery as to how

Caught Frank With Girl in Park, He Says Atlanta GeorgianSunday, May 11th, 1913 Robert T. House, a Special Policeman, Gives New Evidence to City Detectives. In the evidence obtained Saturday in the Mary Phagan case, one piece that the detectives regard as the most important bore on Frank's alleged conduct when he was in company with a young girl in Druid Hills Park. The new evidence came from Robert F. House, a special policeman, who is in the employ of the Druid Hills Land Company. House declared that he had ejected a man from the park at one time from

Analysis of Blood Stains May Solve Phagan Mystery Atlanta GeorgianSaturday, May 3rd, 1913 Three Former Employees at Pencil Factory Are Summoned to Testify. Expected That Frank and Watchman Will Be Questioned Further. It was reported to-day that three young women, former employees of the National Pencil Factory, will be important witnesses for the Coroner's jury in the Phagan case on Monday. Dr. Claude Smith, city bacteriologist, was asked by the police to-day to make a chemical analysis of the bloodstains on the shirt found in the back yard of the home of Lee. The garment was given to Dr. Smith

  Atlanta Constitution Saturday, May 3rd, 1913 Leo M. Frank and the Night Watchman, Newt Lee, Reiterate Declarations of Innocence in Phagan Crime. Leo M. Frank yesterday morning in his cell in the Tower reiterated his plea of innocence to a reporter for The Constitution. "I swear I'm not guilty," he declared. "I could not conceive of such a hideous murder, much less commit it. I am accused unjustly. The report that I have made a confession is totally and basely false. I have no confession to make." Newt Lee, the suspected night watchman, also repeats his statement that he

Solicitor Dorsey is Making Independent Probe of Phagan Case Atlanta JournalFriday, May 2nd, 1913 Outside of Solicitor's Activity There Have Been No Developments Since the Suspects Were Transferred to Tower GROUNDLESS RUMORS DENIED BY OFFICIALS Chief Lanford's Busy Running Down Tips—Coroner's Inquest Will Be Resumed on Monday Afternoon at 2 The Atlanta Journal has published every fact and development in connection with the mysterious murder of Mary Phagan. The Journal will continue to print news of further developments and additional evidence as the investigation proceeds. No fact has been suppressed nor will any news relating to the hunt for solution

Factory Head Frank and Watchman Newt Lee are "Sweated" by Police Leo M. Frank. Atlanta GeorgianTuesday, April 29th, 1913 Mysterious Action of Officials Gives New and Startling Turn to Hunt for Guilty Man—Attorney Rosser, Barred, Later Admitted to Client. Has the Phagan murder mystery been solved? The police say they know the guilty man. Chief of Detectives Lanford at 2 o'clock this afternoon told The Georgian: "We have evidence in hand which will clear the mystery in the next few hours and satisfy the public." All the afternoon the police have been "sweating" Leo M. Frank, superintendent of the factory

"Every Woman and Girl Should See Body of Victim and Learn Perils" Atlanta ConstitutionTuesday, April 29th, 1913 A middle-aged woman, with signs of care and sorrow stamped on her features, pushed through the mob of people which crowded around the entrance to the Bloomfield undertaking establishment in which lay the body of Mary Phagan. She made her way determinedly, shoving and pushing. Reaching the doorway she was stopped from entering by Policeman Tribble who stood on guard. "You can't go in, ma'am. Nobody's allowed to see the body." "What?" she exclaimed. "Not letting anybody see her?" She stepped back as

Police Think Negro Watchman Can Clear Murder Mystery; Four Are Now Under Arrest Mary Phagan Atlanta JournalMonday, April 28th, 1913 Developments in Case Have Come Thick and Fast Monday but No Evidence Has Yet Been Developed Which Fixes the Atrocious Crime — Mullinax Seems to Have Proved Alibi SUPERINTENDENT FRANK AIDS POLICE IN TRYING TO SOLVE THE MYSTERY He Was Closely Questioned for Several Hours Monday but Left Headquarters in Company With His Attorneys and Friends—Crime Was Committed in Metal Room on Second Floor—Sleeping Compartment Found in Factory Basement Detectives expect to wring the secret of Mary Phagan's murder from

Girl is Assaulted and then Murdered in Heart of Town Atlanta ConstitutionMonday, April 28th, 1913 Chum Identifies Victim as Mary Phagan, of 146 Lindsay Street, Then Swoons. Girl Had Just Resigned From National Pencil Company, in Which Plant Her Body Was Found. MOTHER AND FATHER STAY UP ALL NIGHT WAITING HER RETURN Negro Watchman Is Under Arrest on Suspicion—Police Believe That She Was Lured to Building by Three Young Companions, Assaulted Despite Her Vigorous Struggles, and Then Killed to Shut Her Lips. While mother and father anxiously waited her return home Saturday night, pretty 14-year-old Mary Phagan lay dead in

Experts Are Here on Finger Prints Atlanta ConstitutionThursday, May 22nd, 1913 Two Investigators Are Added to Wm. J. Burns' Forces Already in Atlanta—P. A. Flak in City. The William J. Burns forces in the investigation of the Mary Phagan mystery have been reinforced by two expert investigators who recently arrived in the city and are assisting Chief C. W. Tobie in his work. Their identity is being withheld. Both began work Wednesday. One is a noted handwriting and finger print expert, and his first object was to examine the notes found beside the girl's body and to obtain finger prints

T. B. Felder Repudiates Report of Activity for Frank Atlanta GeorgianWednesday, May 21st, 1913 Stories That He Was Retained by Prisoner's Friends Silly, He Declares. Mystery piles up upon mystery in the Phagan case. Colonel Thomas B. Felder was asked Wednesday afternoon by The Georgian to reply to rumors circulating on the street, all making the general charge that he had been retained by friends of Leo Frank, prisoner in the Phagan case, and that his object in bringing the great detective, William J. Burns, here, was not to aid the prosecution. Colonel Felder said: "Any stories to that effect

Tobie is Studying Mary Phagan's Life Atlanta ConstitutionWednesday, May 21st, 1913 Burns Operative Finds New Theory in Detailed Study of Life of Girl Who Was Murdered. Investigation into the life of Mary Phagan from the time she was a child until the day upon which she was murdered has been the work for the past several days of C. W. Tobie, the investigator who is preceding William J. Burns in the attempt to find the perpetrator of the crime. The detective will not reveal his specific reasons for accumulating a record of the girl's life, but steadily he has been

Phagan Case Goes to the Grand Jury in Present Form Atlanta JournalTuesday, May 20th, 1913 Solicitor and Detectives Are Ready With Evidence and Will Present Bills for Jury's Consideration Friday CAN FRANK INTRODUCE WITNESSES IN DEFENSE? This Question Is Being Considered by Solicitor—Another Report That Mary Phagan Was Seen Saturday P. M. The Fulton county grand jury will commence its investigation of the murder of Mary Phagan on Friday, not Thursday morning, according to an announcement from the solicitor general's office. Unless there is an important development before that time, and none is considered likely, the names of only two

Cases Ready Against Lee and Leo Frank Atlanta GeorgianTuesday, May 20th, 1913 Solicitor General Dorsey Declares All Evidence Will Go to the Grand Jury Friday. Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey announced Tuesday morning that the State's case against Leo M. Frank and Newt Lee in connection with the Phagan murder, would go to the Grand Jury Friday of this week. He said that he could anticipate no new arrest or development that would make it necessary to change this plan. Mrs. Jane F. Carr, 251 Ponce De-Leon Avenue, in an open letter, asked every woman in Atlanta to contribute to

Women Declare Phagan Murder Must Be Solved Atlanta ConstitutionTuesday, May 20th, 1913 "Freedom of Murderer Is a Menace to Honor and Life of Every Woman," Writes Mrs. James Carr. Optimistic over the prospects for solving the Mary Phagan mystery, C. W. Tobie, chief of the William J. Burns criminal department, told a reporter for The Constitution yesterday morning that he was confident the girl's murderer would be apprehended and convicted in a surprisingly short while. "What if Mary Phagan were your child?" is the subject of an eloquent plea made to the women of Atlanta by Mrs. Jane F. Carr

Victim of Murder Prepared to Die, Believes Dorsey Atlanta ConstitutionThursday, May 15th, 1913 Identification Slip Carried by Mary Phagan in Her Pocketbook Causes Theory That the Victim Had Been Threatened With Violence. Either threatened with death or warned by some dread premonition of an untimely end, Mary Phagan is believed by Solicitor Dorsey to have prepared for her tragic fate by writing the identification slip discovered hidden in a compartment of the metal pocketbook which she carried daily. The slip was given the solicitor Wednesday morning by a reporter for The Constitution. The reporter also made an authorized statement of

Officer Swears He Found Frank With Young Girl Robert House Atlanta ConstitutionSunday, May 11th, 1913 Robert House, Now a Special Policeman, Tells the Atlanta Detectives of an Incident of Over a Year Ago. SEES FRANK IN TOWER AND RECOGNIZES HIM Three More Pinkertons Are Put on the Phagan Case, Under the Supervision of Harry Scott. Detectives have procured in Robert P. House, a special policeman, a witness who has testified that he once apprehended Leo M. Frank, the suspect in the Mary Phagan mystery, and a young girl in a desolate spot of the woods in Druid Hills Park. The

Public Now Knows All Facts in Murder Case, Say Detectives Atlanta JournalSaturday, May 10th, 1913 Pinkertons Declare the State Has No Evidence of Importance That Hasn't Been Given to the Newspapers IDENTITY OF SOLICITOR'S DETECTIVE A MYSTERY Chief Lanford Believes He Is One of Sheriff's Capable Deputies—Gantt Questioned, Newt Lee Has Lawyer The probe into the mystery of little Mary Phagan's death two weeks ago still goes on. The small army of professional, amateur, city, state and private detectives which took up the chase of the murderer soon after the horrible details of the crime became known still pursues the

Guard of Secrecy is Thrown About Phagan Search by Solicitor Atlanta GeorgianSaturday, May 10th, 1913 Names of Witnesses Withheld by Dorsey to Prevent "Manufacturers of Public Opinion" Getting in Touch with Them—Satisfied with Progress. Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey declared Saturday afternoon that he was very well satisfied with the progress made in the investigation of the Phagan murder mystery and made the significant remark that he would not reveal the names of new witnesses so that manufacturers of public opinion could not get to them. The Solicitor held a conference with Dr. H. F. Harris, of the State Board

Girl Will Swear Office of Frank Deserted Between 12:05 and 12:10 Monteen Stover. Little girl, former employee of National Pencil company, who swears Frank was not in office between 12:05 and 12:10 o'clock. Atlanta ConstitutionSaturday, May 10th, 1913 Testimony Considered Important by Officers Because Frank at the Inquest Stated on Stand That He Did Not Leave Between Noon on Saturday and 12:25. When Quinn Came to See Him. SHE WENT TO FACTORY TO GET PAY ENVELOPE - POSITIVE OF THE TIME New Evidence, Just Submitted to Detective Department, Leads Chief Lanford to Believe That Mary Phagan Was Murdered in the

Detective Harry Scott's Testimony as Given Before Coroner's Jury Atlanta JournalFriday, May 9th, 1913 An unexpected turn was given to the coroner's inquest into the mysterious murder of Mary Phagan, Thursday afternoon, when Harry Scott, the Pinkerton detective who has been representing that agency in its work on the case, was called to the stand by the coroner. Mr. Scott was in the room at the moment. One new detail that he revealed was in a reply to a direct question from the coroner, when he stated that Herbert Haas, attorney for Leo M. Frank and attorney for the National

Probe Phagan Case Grand Jury Urged Atlanta ConstitutionTuesday, May 6th, 1913 Crime Calls for Your Immediate Attention, Declares Judge Ellis, in His Charge. "The Mary Phagan case calls for your immediate and vigorous attention. The power of the state is behind you. What appears to be an awful crime has been committed, and the welfare of the community, the good name of Atlanta, public justice and the majesty of the law demand at the hands of this grand jury and of all officers of the law the most searching investigation and the prompt bringing to trial of the guilty party."

L. M. Frank's Complete Story of Where He Was and What He Did on Day of Mary Phagan Murder Atlanta JournalTuesday, May 6th, 1913 For Three Hours and a Half Mr. Frank Was on the Stand, Answering Questions About His Movements Every Hour and Minute of the Day—He Was Calm and Unruffled When Excused From Stand and Returned to the Tower HE TELLS OF VISIT OF LEMMIE QUINN TO HIS OFFICE TEN MINUTES AFTER MARY PHAGAN RECEIVED WAGES Introduction of Quinn Gives the Factory Superintendent an Important Witness, in Confirmation of His Statements. Only Three Witnesses Examined by Coroner at

Coroner's Inquest Resumed 2:30 p. m.; Frank Will Testify Atlanta JournalMonday, May 5th, 1913 Factory Superintendent Was Expected to Be the Chief Witness, Though 200 Others Had Been Subpoenaed NEW GRAND JURY URGED TO PROMPT INVESTIGATION A Thousand Violations of Law Against Vice Do Not Equal Crime of Mary Phagan's Murder, Says Judge Ellis The jury empanelled a week ago by Coroner Paul Donehoo resumed its probe into the mystery of the murder of little Mary Phagan on Monday afternoon shortly after 2:30 o'clock. Although police headquarters was crowded by nearly 200 witnesses, mostly employees at the National Pencil factory,

Frank on Witness Stand Atlanta GeorgianMonday, May 5th, 1913 Makes Statement Under Oath; Nervous, But Replies Quickly Phagan Inquest, Starting Late Monday Afternoon, Attracts Throng—200 Girls and Women Summoned As Witnesses, at Police Station. The Coroner's inquest into the Phagan mystery did not really begin until 3 o'clock on Monday afternoon, instead of 2 o'clock, the hour set for the hearing. Leo M. Frank and Newt Lee left the jail in charge of Chief of Police Beavers, Detectives Lanford and Starnes and entered the patrol wagon for the trip to police headquarters. A curious crowd waited around the jail doorway

Sleuths Believe They Can Convict Phagan Murderer Atlanta ConstitutionMonday, May 5th, 1913 Detectives Are of Opinion They Have in Their Possession All Evidence That Is Needed by the Jury. INFORMATION SECURED FROM MYSTERIOUS GIRL Coroner's Jury Will Resume Inquest at 2 O'Clock This Afternoon — Factory Girls Will Be Witnesses. Detectives working on the case of Mary Phagan, the 14-year-old murdered girl whose body was found in the basement of the National Pencil company at daybreak Sunday morning a week ago, believe that today they have in their possession evidence which will lead to the conviction of the girl's murderer,

Girl in Red Dress May Furnish Clue to Phagan Mystery A 17-year-old miss, blonde and who weighs about 140 pounds, and who was in in Marietta last Wednesday afternoon wearing a dark red dress and a leghorn hat, may furnish the vital clue in the mystery of the murder of Mary Phagan. Who is she? Where does she live? Is it true that she was the last friend of Mary Phagan's to see the murdered girl alive on Saturday afternoon, April 26? She alone can answer. It is but a matter of hours until her identity is revealed. If she

Grand Jury to Take Up Phagan Case To-morrow The uncertainty that has marked every phase in the case of Mary Phagan probably will be somewhat removed when the new Fulton County Grand Jury for the May term of the Superior Court meets to-morrow. Definite action by that body is anticipated after the Coroner's jury, which also resumes its sessions to-morrow, has reached a decision. The action, it is believed, will be the result of the efforts of a small army of private detectives retained by the authority of Solicitor General Dorsey. The number of the detectives could not be determined,

The Case of Mary Phagan At the top is a sketch made by Henderson from the last photograph taken of little Mary Phagan, the 14-year-old girl of tragedy. Below is a photograph of her mother and step-father, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Coleman, and her sister, Miss Ollie Phagan. The other picture was taken at the funeral. Could you walk for hours in the heart of Atlanta without seeing a person you know? What did Atlanta detectives do to keep murderer from "planting" evidence against suspects? Are all the men who have been held as suspects marked men for the

Detectives Confer With Coroner and Solicitor Dorsey Atlanta JournalSaturday, May 3rd, 1913 Following Meeting Lasting Two Hours, Officials Investigating Murder Mystery Visited Scene of Tragedy NO CHANGE IN PLANS FOR INQUEST MONDAY Progress Has Been Made In Developing Evidence, It Is Said, but its Nature Has Not Been Divulged The three central figures in the investigation of the Phagan murder case—the solicitor general, the coroner and the chief of detectives—held a conference Saturday morning, which lasted for more than two hours. The officials discussed the evidence in the case and the many theories which have been advanced, but refused to

Finger Print Expert Works With Dorsey to Solve Mystery Atlanta JournalWednesday, May 21st, 1913 P. A. Flak, of New York, visits Scene of Crime and Also Takes Finger Prints of Men in the Tower BURNS INVESTIGATOR INTERVIEWS NEWT LEE He is Said to Be Convinced That Negro Is Innocent—Pinkertons Still Busy in Search for Additional Evidence The employment by Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey of one of the best known finger print experts in the world on the Phagan mystery was Wednesday's principal development in the sensational case. P. A. Flak, of New York City, noted criminologist, and a recognized

In Loop of Death Dorsey May Have Clue to Murderer Atlanta ConstitutionSaturday, May 17th, 1913 Noose Found Knotted Around Neck of Mary Phagan Being Carefully Examined by Officers. BURNS RIGHT-HAND MAN NOW PROBING MYSTERY Fund Started by The Constitution for Purpose of Bringing Noted Detective to Atlanta Has Reached $1,500. In the noose found knotted around the throat of Mary Phagan's lifeless body, Solicitor Dorsey and headquarters detectives aver they possess a valuable clue to the girl's murderer. It is being inspected by experts, who also are examining specimens of cord picked up here and there in the factory building

Books and Papers in Phagan Case in Grand Jury's Hands Atlanta JournalFriday, May 16th, 1913 Two Employes of Pencil Company Appeared Before Grand Jury Friday in Answer to Subpenas FELDER RAISING FUND TO PAY W. J. BURNS The Journal Subscribes $100, Mr. Felder Declares a Burns Investigator Will Be Put On the Case at Once By means of a subpoena duces tecum Solicitor General Hugh M. Dorsey Friday obtained possession of a number of books and papers of the National Pencil company. The subpoena was served on Herbert G. Schiff and M. B. Darley, two officials of the pencil company,

Burns Hunt for Phagan Slayer Begun Atlanta GeorgianFriday, May 16th, 1913 Skilled Aide of Famous Detective Arrives in Atlanta—Keeps Identity Secret. Contributions for a fund to bring W. J. Burns, the great detective, to Atlanta in the Phagan case follow: The Georgian ……………$100The Constitution ……….. 100Homer George ………….. 10 More than six substantial subscriptions from persons who asked that their names be kept secret have been added to the above. The Burns investigation into the Phagan murder mystery began Friday. William J. Burns, who personally will conduct the case some time shortly after his arrival from Europe on June 1,

Coming of Burns is Assured, Says Colonel Felder Atlanta ConstitutionFriday, May 16th, 1913 To Solve Phagan Murder, Joseph Hirsch, Capitalist, Starts Public Subscription to Assure Fund for Burns. SOCIETY WOMEN AID MOVEMENT FOR FUND Local Detectives in Conference and Are Believed to Have Secret Documents Bearing on Case. With The Constitution's donation of $100 as a nucleus, Atlanta today begins building a fund with which to employ to ferret the mystery of Mary Phagan's murder Detective William J. Burns, America's most successful detective.Assurance that subscriptions will be plentiful and generous came to Attorney Thomas E. Felder last night in telephone

No Phagan Trial Before Last of June Declares Solicitor Atlanta JournalThursday, May 15th, 1913 If Indictments Are Returned by Grand Jury When Bills Are Presented There Will Be No Immediate Trial WM. J. BURNS COMING, SAYS THOS. B. FELDER He Calls Upon the Public to Subscribe a Fund to Pay the Expense of Bringing Great Detective to Atlanta Should the Fulton county grand jury, when it meets next Thursday or Friday, return a true bill against either one or both of the men held by the coroner's jury in the Mary Phagan murder investigation, the state will not attempt to

Burns Investigator Will Probe Slaying Atlanta GeorgianThursday, May 15th, 1913 Noted Detective, Himself, to Take Up Case June 1—One of His Experts Coming Soon. Colonel Thomas B. Felder, noted Atlanta lawyer, Thursday issued the positive statement that William J. Burns would take charge of the Phagan investigation immediately upon his return from Europe, June 1. In the meantime a criminal investigator will be sent from the Burns Agency's New York office to prosecute the investigation. Colonel Felder gave out the following dispatch received from Raymond J. Burns, son of William J. Burns, in New York, which tells of the father's

New Theory Fails to Change Course of Murder Probe Atlanta JournalWednesday, May 14th, 1913 "A Local Celebrity" Is Working Out the New Theory and He Had Not Reported to the Solicitor on Wednesday GIRL'S HANDWRITING GIVES IMPORTANT CLUE Grand Jury to Take Up Case May 22 or 23, Says Solicitor, Criminal Court Postpones Session at Dorsey's Request At 2:10 Wednesday afternoon Solicitor Dorsey announced that the grand jury would take up the Phagan case on Thursday, the 22d, or Friday, the 23d, unless something intervened to make it inadvisable. At that time bills will be presented against Leo M. Frank

Negro Watchman Tells Story of Finding Girl's Body and Questions Fail to Shake Him A sketch of pretty Mary Phagan from her latest photograph by Brewerton. Atlanta JournalWednesday April 30th, 1913 Newt Lee, Negro Who Notified Police of Mary Phagan Murder, Tells Coroner Girl's Body Was Lying Face Up With Head Toward West When He Found It — But Officers Declare They Found It Lying Face Down, Head Toward East, Knew She Was White, Said He, by Her Hair SAYS MR. FRANK DID UNUSUAL THINGS, BUT DOES NOT DIRECTLY IMPLICATE ANYONE Mr. Frank Met Him Outside Office Saturday Afternoon and

Boy Sweetheart Says Girl Was to Meet Him Saturday Atlanta GeorgianWednesday April 30th, 1913 G. W. Epps, Jr., 14 years old, of 248 Fox Street, who lives just around the corner from Mary Phagan, and who was her boy sweetheart, testified before the Coroner's Jury this afternoon that Mary Phagan had asked him to come down by the factory and go home with her a few days ago. She told him, he said, that Mr. Frank had been in the habit of going down to the front door and waiting there until she came out and looked suspicious at her