Access to this collection is generously supported by Arcadia funds. Related to the article, "Hickman Trial Forces Line Up: Insanity Defense Offered; Hearing the 25th Inst.," Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 1928: A1. Suicide notes found on the body of A. R. Driskell, grandfather of Welby Hunt, accomplice with William Edward Hickman in the murder of pharmacist C. Ivy Toms. The handwriting was not analyzed when Driskell took his life (May 25, 1927), but his relationship to Hunt and Hickman brought his death into question during the C. Ivy Toms murder investigation and trial (1927-1928). Both Welby Hunt and William Hickman are referenced in the notes. Initial handwriting comparisons suggested that not all the notes were written by Driskell. An investigation led by George Contreras, chief investigator for the District Attorney's office, concluded that the death was a suicide. Text from negative sleeve: Hickman, William Edward Handwritten on negative: Specimens of writing found on the body of A. R. Driskell Text on notes, left to to right, top to bottom: [1] Should any one pick me up you can call phone 3971-Alhambra. I am A. R. Driskell After 6 am Phone 446J. [2, documents payments and balances for March, April and May 1st with some indecipherable text. Portion of text in lower right corner reads:] These are payments on new notes of Hickmans that are not [indecipherable] (not at bank). [3] Dear [indecipherable] & Welby – Forgive me I can stand it no longer God bless you be a good boy Welby [indecipherable]. [4] …taxes [indecipherable] are all – due & past due – also interest to [indecipherable] you will find statements on money [indecipherable] & bank book. Sell the home if you can and pay the balance and live in all [indecipherable] [signature]. [5] Should you find me call my wife 2424 Birch St Phone 446J Mrs M. C. Driskell I am desperate that you will find me in same just above bridge [6] On Colorado Bridge – I am so sorry for Welby but what can I do. God bless you dear Welby [indecipherable] just above where you find me I have [indecipherable] could not stand the [indecipherable]. [7] My name AR Driskell 2600 W Main in Alhambra Phone 3971.
Type
image
Format
b&w nitrate negative
Identifier
uclamss_1429_10474 ark:/21198/zz002hbfpd
Language
English
Subject
Suicides--California--Los Angeles Driskell, Abner R., b. 1866 or 67-1927 Hickman, William Edward, 1908-1928 Hunt, Welby Leeson, 1911-1995
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