Access to this collection is generously supported by Arcadia funds. May Lawrence (front center) and Mickey Ward (front right), wife of cowboy motion picture extra Jerome "Blackjack" Ward, who is on trial for the murder of fellow extra John Ainsworth Tyacke (Johnny Tyke) in Gower Gulch. Gower Gulch is the name given to the area near the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Gower Street where film extras hang out waiting for work; many of the nearby studios produce westerns so often actual working cowboys come here to break into the film business. Ward entered a plea of not guilty based on self defense and temporary insanity. He was ultimately set free after many witnesses attested to Tyke's violent nature. Handwritten annotation from nitrate negative: May Lawrence & Mrs. Mickey Ward Text from original nitrate sleeve: Ward, Jerome "Blackjack" (Shot and killed John Tyke, on Sunset Blvd. 2-23-40); Jackson, Yukon Jake; Tyke, John; Ward, Mickey - Mrs.; Ellenson, W.A. - Lt.
Type
image
Format
b&w nitrate negative
Identifier
ark:/21198/zz0027zz02
Language
No linguistic content
Subject
Judicial proceedings--California--Los Angeles People Spouses--California--Los Angeles Homicides--California--Los Angeles Lawrence, May Ward, Mickey
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