Murphy - John
Source: Waveland Independent newspaper, Waveland, Montgomery County, Indiana, Friday, June 15, 1905
It is reported that Charley Roberts now in
the Nebraska penitentiary, has confessed to the murder of John Murphy at
Wallace in 1882. He says that he was aassited by Scott Sutherlin, Bill
Irvin and a Veedersburg saloon keeper. Irvin is now doing time at
Michigan City for stealing horses. Roberts was born in Waveland in the
house now owned by Sant Moody. He was always a tough character and has
been engaged in many desperate enterprises. His parents were good people
and as long as they lived, he never failed to visit them at intervals
although he risked his liberty to do so. A brother, James Roberts was
highly respected. Mrs. Sarah MacIntosh, of Crawfordsville is his sister.
Suspicion fell on him at the time of Murphy's murder but nothing could
be proved. His discovery was accidental as no one here knew where he
was. A Ben Hur detective was looking for another person and recognized
him. What his motive could be for confessing toa crime that will deprive
him of all hpe of future liberty is not known. - transcribed by kbz