Martens Defense Theory

MARTENS, ABEL

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 8/1/2014 at 08:47:12

The Muscatine Journal and News-Tribune
Friday, March 22, 1935

MARTENS DEFENSE THEORY INDICATED CLAIM THAT KESWICK FARMER SHOT GIRL IN SELF-DEFENSE

Newton, Ia. (UP)--The defense in Adolph Martens trial on charge of murdering his wife last August indicted today the lines of self-defense it would make for the Sigourney farmer. Scratches on the hand of Maxine Abel, Martens' step-daughter, of whose slaying he was acquitted recently would show the girl was attacking her step-father and he was backing away from her, defense counsel said. The scratches, it was contended, were caused by the gun in Martens' hands, and he fired only in self-defense. F.S. Ferree, Keswick mortician, was called back to the stand for direct examination by the state. Ferree testified as to the condition in which he found the bodies of Martens' wife and step-daughter, the methods used in embalming and exhuming, and the autopsy. Defense counsel, in cross-examination, brought out the fact there were scratches on the girl's hand. Ernest Alabama, Iowa county coroner who aided in funeral preparation for the slain women, also testified regarding the condition of the bodies.