Notes for William Lorun Fodrea: Ft. Wayne News, June 9, 1902 PROBE MYSTERIOUS MURDER
Noblesville, Ind., June 9 - Today the trial of William Fodrea, son of the ex-recorder of Hamilton county, L. P. Fodrea, for the murder of John E. Seay, on the night of Dec. 21 last, began. This is one of the most mysterious crimes ever committed in the county, and the case is attracting wide attention. On that night Seay, who was employed as a miller in the Noblesville Milling company, while sitting on a step just inside of a window, was instantly killed by a load of buckshot fired from without. William Fodrea was arrested and the grand jury found an indictment against him for the crime. The evidence so far revealed is entirely circumstantial, but some sensations are expected at the trial. A woman will figure in this case. She is Miss Carrie Philips, daughter of Mrs. Olive Philips, to who both Fodrea and Seay had been paying attentions. She is 19 years of age. For a year previous to the crime Fodrea had been devoted to Miss Philips, but about two months previous to that time she had rejected Fodrea and was receiving the attentions of Seay. It is generally understood that she was engaged to Shea. Fodrea became insanely jealous and threateded the life of Seay. He said he would not give up Miss Philips. Even after he was refused admission tothe Philips household he was about the house attempting to see the girl. Fodrea was arrested at his father's home in Lincoln Park at 2 o'clock in the morning, two hours after the crime was committed. He had just arrived home and could not give a satisfactory account of his absence. Fodrea denies all connection with the murder,and during his six months imprisonment has not admitted anything of an incriminating character. He is 24 years old, and is of a quiet, melancholy disposition. It is claimed by some that he is not entirely sound mentally. John E. Seay was a sober, industrious and intelligent man of 27 years. He had been employed at the milling company for seven years, and came here from Richmond, Va. Ralph K. Kane has been appointed by Judge Neal to prosecute the case in the place of Prosecutor Beals, who is a relative of Fodrea. Mr. Kane will be assisted by his father, Judge Thomas J. Kane, and brother T. E. Kane. L. S. Balwin and W. S. Christian will represent the defendant.
William Lorun Fodrea (b. April 26, 1872)
Notes for William Lorun Fodrea: