Jasper County Democrat, Volume 13, Number 36, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 August 1910 — WIFE “RENIGS” CHARGE [ARTICLE]

WIFE “RENIGS” CHARGE

Of Murder Made Against Her Husband, William Ashby at Lafayette. Lafayette, Ind., August 10— William Ashby, age twentyseven, was cleared of a charge of murder in the first degree and arson, yesterday afternoon by Citj- Judge Field, who presided at the preliminary hearing. The court dismissed the case on the testimony of Ashby’s young wife, who • ten . days ago swore she would see that her husband was landed in prison, but when put under oath failed to give the testimony that the state was led -o believe she would. A chain of circumstantial evidence pointed to Ashby as the slayer of Samuel Waddell, an eccentric hermit, who was found dead in the ruins of his hut in the eastern part of the county on the morning of March 20.

Ashby was not even suspected; of the crime until ten days ago when, after a quarrel with his wife, she told the police she had evidence that would send her husband to the penitentiary. On this information he was placed under arrest, and the state sought to prove that he was the murderer of Waddell, with robbery as.the motive. Ashby’s father engaged able lawyers to defend his son, and it was announced a vigorous fight would be made. Mrs. Ashby was supposed to be the state’s most important witness. At the hearing, however, she gave testimony that cleared her husband, saying that he was at home in bed the night of March 19. After the trial Mr.

and Mrs. Ashby spoke to each other for the first time since their quarrel and a reconciliation was effected. Cecil Funkhouser, brother of Mrs. Ashby, was arrested . for perjury before the grand jury and was placed in jail. He was one of the witnesses in the case. . » ■ '