Access to this collection is generously supported by Arcadia funds. Ransom note sent to Perry M. Parker, father of kidnap victim Marion Parker, from William Edward Hickman. The hand printed letter was pinned to a page of the Evening Herald. The note was likely photographed in 1927. Marion Parker was kidnapped for ransom on December 15, 1927 by William Edward Hickman. Two days later, Marion's remains were found by her father, Perry Parker, on the lawn of 432 S. Manhattan Place- just moments after exchanging $1500 for Marion, whom he presumed to be alive. Hickman was ultimately tried and sentenced to death for the crime. He was executed at San Quentin, October 19, 1928. Text reads: Signed: Marion Parker. Death… P.M. Parker, Please recover your senses. I want your money rather than to kill your child. But so far you give me no other alternative. Of course you want your child but you’ll never get her by notifying the police and causing all this publicity. I feel however, that you started the search before you received my warning, so I am not blaming you for the bad beginning. Remember the 3-day limit and make up for this lost time. Dismiss all the authorities before it is too late. I’ll give you one more chance. Get that money the way I told you and be ready to settle. I’ll give you a chance to come across and you will or Marian [sic] Dies. Be sensible and use good judgment. You can’t deal with a mastermind like a common crook or kidnaper. [Signed:] Fox – Fate. If you want aid against me ask God not man. Text from negative sleeve: Hickman, William Edward
Type
Image
Format
b&w nitrate negative
Identifier
uclamss_1429_10482 ark:/21198/zz002hbfzj
Language
English
Subject
Homicides--California--Los Angeles Kidnappings--California--Los Angeles Parker, Marion, 1915-1927 Parker, Perry Marion, 1879-1944 Hickman, William Edward, 1908-1928
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