Contributed by Maine Historical Society/MaineToday Media
Description
In October 1927, authorities sentenced James P. Kelley of Portland to life in prison for murdering Mrs. Lillian Grace Woodsum Casey. Kelley stabbed Lillian in the heart after they quarreled over a pawned Swiss watch.
Kelley's defense argued that Lillian's death was accidental, but the jury deliberated for only two hours before finding him guilty. Although he remained stone-faced during the reading of the verdict, Kelley fainted when guards handcuffed him.
In this image taken by Evening Express Photographers, Kelley confers with his attorneys Joseph E.F. Connolly and Joseph Janus.
About This Item
- Title: "Slayer Kelley" confers with counsel, Portland, 1927
- Creator: Portland Evening Express
- Creation Date: 1927
- Subject Date: 1927
- Location: Portland, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: Glass Negative
- Dimensions: 8.3 cm x 10.8 cm
- Local Code: Coll. 1949, 2005.061.15764
- Collection: Portland Press Herald glass negative collection
- Object Type: Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Arraignment
- Crime--Maine--Portland
- Criminal investigations--Maine--Portland
- Homicide
- Murder--Maine--Portland
People
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For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society/MaineToday Media489 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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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.
More to Consider
Item 149799
James P. Kelley posing in handcuffs, Portland, 1927
Item 149800
James P. Kelley with counsel and police station turnkey, Portland, 1927
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