Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 December 1897 — NOVAK IS FOUND GUILTY. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

NOVAK IS FOUND GUILTY.

Jnry Returns a Verdict of Murder in the Second Degree. Frank Novak, on trial at Vinton, lowa, for killing Edward Murray, has been found guilty of murder in the second degree. The jury returned its verdict recommending that his punishment be ten years in the penitentiary. Counsel for

the prisoner said he regarded the verdict a great victory for the defense. A serious mistake on the part of the State in the proceedings of the trial was discovered at the very last moment, and Novak’s counsel fought persistently to prevent its rectification. After the evidence had been closed on both sides it was discovered that the county attorney had omitted to show that the village of Walford, Novak's home and where the tragedy occurred, was in Benton County. County Attorney Tobin requested a short stay in the regular proceedings of the trial until he could go upon the wit-

ness stand and swear that the town of Walford was in Benton County that the evidence might lie incorporated in the case. Both Attorneys Ney and Milner strongly opposed this plan, but Judge Burnham overruled the objection and permitted the State to make correction of the records. The Charles Wood story from Seattle was exploded. It is alleged that the part Wood played was carefully arranged by Novak’s friends.

FRANK NOVAK.