FROM THE MAY 19, 1967 BUMBLE “B”

 

“WE FIND THE DEFENDANT…”

 

On May 1, 1967, James Cotton, known as Jimmy, was tried for the murder of Howard Lane and found innocent.  The respectable, honest, and trustworthy jury members were Karen Kruck, Ann Buckels, Lynette Seiler, Trudi Greene, Joe Cook, Kevin Quarnstrom, Hal Lyness, Dave Hitsman, Brian Peterson, Cliff Gliem, and Sylvia Hansen.

The case opened with the testimony of Mr. Lane’s son, William Lane.  Bill Lane testified that Mr. Cotton came into his father’s store holding a gun.  He ordered Mr. Lane to give him all the money in the cash register and when Mr. Lane reached under the counter Mr. Cotton shot him.

Next to testify was Mrs. White.  Mrs. White was buying ham when the shooting occurred.  She identified Mr. Cotton as the one who held up Mr. Lane and then shot him.

The officer making the arrest of Mr. Cotton testified next.  At this time the murder weapon, a revolver, was introduced as evidence and the officer reported that he had found the revolver in Mr. Cotton’s car.

The defendant, Mr. Cotton, took the stand following the officer’s testimony.  Mr. Cotton swore he had spent the evening of the murder with a Mrs. James in her apartment not far from the scene of the murder.  Before leaving the stand Mr. Cotton looked the jury right in the eye and with sincerity he said,  “I didn’t do it.”

Mrs. James, Mr. Cotton’s only alibi, was next to take the stand.  She verified Mr. Cotton’s testimony, swearing he had spent the entire evening with her in her apartment.

The prosecuting attorney and the attorney for the defense next gave their closing remarks and the jury retired to bring in a verdict.  After about ten minutes the jury came back with a verdict of not guilty.  The case was dismissed.