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Hammonton, New Jersey, November 26th, 1927

With the phantom presence of a murdered aged husband hovering in the shadows, two persons, a man and a woman, both long past the flush and ardor of youth, will come to trial here on Monday for their lives.

For background, there is the fantastic tale of middle-aged romance,

of nightly trists in woodland places between a couple who, to the outside world,

were content with their quiet, ordinary family life in the simple setting of a New Jersey countryside. They will be accused of plot and

intrigue, deadly hate, and illicit love, and finally deliberate premeditated murder.

The woman is the daughter of an old Maryland family, a member of several prominent social organizations,

and with a background of culture and refinement. She is 42 years old, has black, short-bobbed hair,

piercing black eyes, and teeth which protrudes so that it is almost impossible for her to draw her lips together.

Her manner usually is quick, vivacious.

The man is an undersized and almost illiterate little chap,

who for many years has made his living by selling and marketing the chickens and eggs

produced on his little farm in South Vineland,

where his middle-aged and vaguely discouraged wife and his oldest son carry on the work.

He is 57 years old and is jocular, explosive, and expansive.

Behind these two figures is the shadow, the shadow of the man who was the woman's husband

and who came to his death in the Jersey swamps.

It was for the murder of this retired physician who was entering into the 73rd year of life when he was shot down that the widow and farmer are coming to trial.

The widow spends most of her time reading everything connected with her case printed in the newspaper. The man does nothing and has gained 12 pounds.

The True Crime Historian presents yesterday's news.

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