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• MMN #104940
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Description

In September 1926, Benjamin Turner, an Iowa native, traveled from Mexico City to Portland to confront Maine resident James Hallen. Witnesses saw Turner arrive at Hallen's house, where they exchanged words. Turner then shot and killed Hallen with his revolver.

In 1921, Turner was in a Mexico City jail for killing a man he accused of swindling money from him. He had been in Mexico since the start of World War I as a conscientious objector. Hallen, a known con man, visited Turner in jail, posing as an attorney, and promised to help him for $1,200. Turner had $827, which he gave to Hallen. However, after sending the money, Turner never heard from Hallen again. After Turner eventually got out of prison with the charges dropped, he spent three years in Mexico to repay debts, all while planning Hallen's murder.

Once Turner settled his debts, he traveled across the U.S. until he finally tracked down Hallen in Portland and killed him outside his home. Turner pled guilty and was sentenced to life in prison.

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About This Item

• Title: Benjamin Turner, convicted murderer of James Hallen, Portland, ca. 1926
• Creator: Portland Press Herald
• Creation Date: 1926
• Subject Date: 1926
• Location: Portland, Cumberland County, ME
• Media: glass plate negative
• Dimensions: 10.2 cm x 12.7 cm
• Local Code: Coll. 1949, 2005.061.2187.1
• Collection: Portland Press Herald glass negative collection
• Object Type: Image

Cross Reference Searches

Standardized Subject Headings

• Crime--Maine--History
• Murder--Maine--Portland
• Photojournalism
• Photojournalism--Maine--20th century

People

• Turner, Benjamin

Other Keywords

• Court
• Crimes
• Jury
• Justified
• Murder

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This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. No Permission is required to use the low-resolution watermarked image for educational use, or as allowed by the applicable copyright. For all other uses, permission is required.

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Accused murderer Benjamin Turner exiting courtroom, Portland, 1926

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Superior Court Jury in Benjamin H. Turner Murder Case, Portland, 1927

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Lieutenant Henry Fortune holding Turner murder weapon, Portland, 1927

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