1958 Suspect Interviews: Cleared

1958 Izard Murders Case Files: 1958 Suspect Interviews
Cleared by investigators

In 1958, Detective McPhail and the Deputies assigned to the Izard murder cases conducted over 500 interviews in the Izard murder cases. Only those interviews that were directly relevant to the investigation are included in the 1958 Case File summaries. The following interviews with suspects who were eventually cleared of involvement provide key information relating to some of the primary suspects.

Saturday, April 12, 1958

Conducted by Detective Jack McPhail:

1945 hours, Frank Abbott, Box 29, Taylor Road, Oxford, at station. Abbott states he went to Sid's along with many of the other men from Bowlan arriving at about 1200 hours along with a large crowd. He states he was there until about 1345 hours at which time he left and went home. He states that the mood at Sid's was ugly for the entire time he was there and that most were drinking heavily. Abbott states he had only two beers and spent much of his time discussing job options with Steve Ibello and Wes Hannaford. He stated that a number of men are talking about heading to Chicago or Michigan to look for union jobs. He was present and confirmed that Jimmy Warren was throwing punches and talking about "teaching someone a lesson". Abbott states that Warren jumped Perch but was pulled off before any real damage was done. He said many men left between 1300 and 1330 hours after the fight. He states that he arrived home at about 1400 hours. He states that he learned about the Izard murders when Steve Ibello came to his house at approx. 1530 hours directly from Sid's and that Steve Ibello called his wife at home to inform her of the murders and left shortly after the call. He states that Jimmy Warren, Elbert Warren, Howard Hadley and Louis Corbett were the most vocal in their threats of violence at Sid's, but that he doesn't really believe any of them would go this far. He recalls that Corbett was the only one of that group still at Sid's when he left.

2125 hours, Jack Peach, Box 19, Delay Road, Oxford, at station. Peach states that he arrived at Sid's approx. 1145 hours with Danahy, Corey and Booker. He states that Frank Valenti and Jeff Skinner joined their group at about 1200 hours. He states that Danahy, Corey and Booker left Sid's at approx. 1300 hours, shortly after the fight between Perch and Warren. He states that he, Valenti and Skinner opted to stay at Sid's and were there until about 1545 hours after the news of the Izard murders. Peach states that Danahy was in an ugly mood and looking for trouble, though he doesn't believe Danahy would have gone to the Izards'. He states that he does not know what Danahy, Corey or Booker's plans were for the rest of the afternoon. They had talked about going hunting on Saturday, April 12 and then going to Pappy's out near Batesville afterward, however, he states that they did not follow through with those plans after the Izard murders made the news and they were scheduled for interviews.

Conducted by Deputy Larry Kuhn:

0830 hours, Steve Ibello, 156 Frontage Road, Oxford, at station. Ibello states that he was at Sid's from a little bit after 1200 hours until about 1515 hours when he heard of the Izard murders and left Sid's to go to Frank Abbott's house on Taylor Road. States that Frank was at home and had not heard the news until he arrived at about 1530 hours, that he called his wife at home at about 1540 hours from Frank Abbott's. He states that he personally hear Jimmy Warren make threats against both Bowlan and Richard Izard, he states he also personally heard Hadley and Elbert Warren make specific threats against both Bowlan and Izard. He states there were others that were making general threats and that there was a lot of talk about teaching lessons to people that take away jobs. He feels that it was all talk and that everyone was getting drunk and talking crazy to blow off steam. He states that he thinks most were too drunk to do anything about their threats. Ibello returned to his home directly from Frank Abbott's house leaving there at about 1600 and arriving at his home at about 1620 hours.

0930 hours, Glenn Johnson, Box 30, Kingman Road, Oxford, at station. States that he was at Sid's from about 1200 hours or a bit before with Fred Earle, Lou Nash, Ralph Quillens, Charlie Duncan, Walter Hinkley and Joe Mitchell. States that Walter Hinkley was particularly upset and angry over the loss of the job and was not wanting to go home. States that Fred and Lou were discussing the idea of going to Michigan to look for union jobs there. Perch was encouraging on the possibilities in the Flint and Detroit areas. States that many of the men were angry at the idea of being forced to leave the area just to support their families. States that it was about that time that the threats were really heating up and that Jimmy Warren started throwing punches and went for Perch. He states that he, Fred Earle and Lou Nash decided that was a good time to leave and decided to go to Robert Abbott's home out on Bell River Road. States that the group left Sid's at approx. 1255 hours, right after the fight and arrived at Abbott's home approx. 1330 hours. States that both Robert Abbott and his wife, Mary Ellen were at home and they spent most of the afternoon discussing job options. He states that Robert Abbott's son, Frank, called the house shortly after 1600 hours to inform them of the Izard murders and that the children were missing. He states that he, Nash and Earle left about 15 minutes later discussing getting a group together to help with the search for the children. Deputy Moffett confirms the three stopped by the station to inquire about volunteering for the search. Dep. Moffett states that all three were on the search along Hurricane Creek from approx. 1700 hours to 2100 hours on Friday, April 11.

1015 hours, Charlie Duncan, 125 Lincoln Avenue, Oxford, at station. States that he was at Sid's from approx. 1200 hours until approx. 1450 hours. He states that he returned home and learned of the Izard murders from his nephew, Tim Knepp who stopped at the house approx. 1600 hours and left approx. 1700 hours. Miz Duncan has not been in the best of health and was at home all day. She verifies the timing. Charlie states that he stayed at home rather than join the volunteer search for the Izard children to care for Miz Duncan who took the news badly. He also states he had more than usual to drink and did not feel he would be able to contribute much to the search effort. He confirms that he personally heard Jimmy Warren, Howard Hadley, Ed Rebstock, Jessie Danahy and a number of others he couldn't specifically name make threats toward Perch, Bowlan and Izard at Sid's.

1100 hours, Ed Rebstock, RR # 7, Box 214, County Road 315, Oxford, at station. Rebstock states that he arrived at Sid's at approx. 1145 hours and left after one beer at approx. 1215 hours. He states that like most of the men, he was very angry about the layoffs and suspected that there would be many fights at Sid's. He states he and Joe Mitchell agreed to go out to Pappy's on route 6 and shoot pool. He states he arrived at Pappy's around 1440 hours and Joe Mitchell joined him there closer to 1500 hours. He states he learned about the Izard murders at Pappy's around 1645 hours. He states he and Mitchell stayed at Pappy's until approx. 1730 hours. He states he returned home and was under the impression that was Mitchell's plan also. Verified with Harris that Rebstock arrived at Pappy's between 1430 and 1445 hours and that Mitchell arrived a short time later. He states that they appeared normal, no signs of being in a fight and played pool until around 1700 hours or so. Travel time between the crime scene at County Road 106 and Pappy's is at best 27 minutes, unlikely Rebstock or Mitchell were directly involved in the murders.

1140 hours, Fred Earle, 214 Levee Road, Oxford, at station. Earle confirms that he was at Sid's from about 1200 hours or a bit before with Lou Nash, Glenn Johnson, Charlie Duncan, Joe Mitchell and others. States that Walter Hinkley was taking the loss of the job very hard. He confirms that he and Lou Nash were discussing the idea of going to Michigan to look for union jobs there and that Perch was encouraging on the prospects. States that he left with Lou Nash and Glenn Johnson shortly after Jimmy Warren started throwing punches and went for Perch. He states that they went to Robert Abbott's home out on Bell River Road arriving at approx. 1330 hours. States that both Robert Abbott and his wife, Mary Ellen were at home and they spent most of the afternoon discussing job options. He confirms prior statements that Robert Abbott's son, Frank, called the house shortly after 1600 hours to inform them of the Izard murders and that the children were missing. He states that he, Nash and Johnson left about 15 minutes later discussing getting a group together to help with the search for the children. Deputy Moffett confirms the three stopped by the station to inquire about volunteering for the search. Dep. Moffett states that all three were on the search along Hurricane Creek from approx. 1700 hours to 2100 hours on Friday, April 11.

1300 hours, Jeff Skinner, 141 Hayes Avenue, #2, Oxford, at station. Jeff Skinner states that he was at Sid's by 1215 hours and stuck with Danahy, Peach, Valenti, Corey and Booker until Danahy, Corey and Booker left. He states he is unsure of when they left but that it was by 1315 hours. He states that he, Valenti and Peach remained at Sid's drinking and "crying in our beers" until they learned of the Izard murders around 1540 hours. He states that he did have some thoughts about Danahy's involvement but doesn't think Danahy would really go so far as murder, stating that was "plum crazy and Danahy's crazy but not that crazy". He states that he returned home and then joined the volunteer search effort for the Izard children around 1730 hours along Hawkins and Hurricane Creeks. Confirmed by Dep. Moffett, search coordinator. He states he has no idea who would do this, he states that maybe he could see someone going after Dick Izard, but not the whole family and taking kids. He stated that "some of them guys were mean and drunk and maybe that'd be enough, but what would they do with little kids?"

1345 hours, Louis Corbett, Bay Springs Road, Oxford, at station. Corbett states that he was at Sid's from about 1215 hours until 1545 hours. He states that when he heard about the Izard murders, he was concerned that maybe Jimmy Warren "went totally off the deep end". He states that he tried to call Jimmy's house and when he got no answer he went out there arriving at approx. 1630 hours and found Jimmy sleeping on the porch. States Warren was still quite drunk and it took a bit to get him awake and understanding that the Izards had been murdered. He stated that Warren wasn't too upset about Dick Izards death, saying something to the effect of "well, he deserved it", but Corbett says Warren adamantly denied any role in the murders or disappearance of the kids. Corbett believes him. Corbett states that when he saw Warren, Warren was wearing the same clothes he'd had on at Sid's and he didn't seem to be "any worse for wear" than he had been when he left Sid's around 1315 to 1330 hours. Corbett states that if Warren had been involved in those "bloody murders, he'd of looked a lot worse".

1430 hours, Joe Mitchell, Box 329, Graham Lake Road, Abbeville, at station. Mitchell states that he was at Sid's for only a short while from about 1200 to 1230 hours. He states that he stopped in for one beer with what he called the "organizers", Fred Earle, Lou Nash, Glenn Johnson, Elbert Warren, Ralph Quillens, Frank Abbott, Steve Ibello, Charlie Duncan, Wes Hannaford and Elliott Perch. He states that the mood, as he'd expected was "mean drunk" and he had "no intention of getting caught up in that mess". He states he drove over to Sardis to look into some field work, but that he was unable to find anyone to speak to. He stated that he returned home directly from Sardis, stopping for gas at the Red Spot around 1430 hours, arriving home at approx. 1510 hours. Miz Mitchell and Joe's daughter, Laura were both at home. They confirm the time. He states that he spoke to his mother on the phone at approx. 1530 hours (verified). He states that he learned of the murders at approx. 1630 hours on the radio. Dep. Kuhn spoke with the attendant on duty at the Red Spot who recalled that Joe Mitchell had stopped there for gas that afternoon, but he was unable to recall the time any more specifically than between 1430 and 1530 hours. The farm that Mitchell said he went to outside of Sardis was looking for field hands and stated that there was no one around the house at the time Mitchell stated he was there. Mitchell is not considered a viable suspect in the murders.

1525 hours, Wes Hannaford, 59 Leighton Road, Oxford, at station. Hannaford states he was Sid's from approx. 1200 hours until about 1300 hours at which time he left. He states that he spent most of his time discussing job options with Steve Ibello and Frank Abbott. He stated that he is seriously considering moving to Michigan to look for a union job. He was present for the altercation between Jimmy Warren and Perch. He stated that he left with Perch while some of the others held Jimmy back. He states that he then drove around for some time thinking about moving out of state. He stated that he decided to go to his mother's house outside of Taylor to discuss it with her, arriving there at approx. 1500 hours. Miz Hannaford confirms the time and told Deputy Kuhn that Hannaford had come to discuss relocating to Michigan with her. She stated that he was worried, but otherwise seemed fine, did not appear to have been drinking and had no cuts, dirty clothes or signs of having been in a fight. There would barely be enough time for Hannaford to arrive at the crime scene, commit the murders and arrive at Miz Hannaford's by 1500 hours, however, this would not account for the children or his clean appearance. Hannaford shows no signs of injuries at the time of the interview. Hannaford is not considered a viable suspect.

1635 hours, Frank Valenti, 16 Price Street, Oxford, at station. Valenti states he was at Sid's from shortly before 1200 hours until approx. 1600 hours. He states he learned of the murders at Sid's around 1530 or shortly after. He states he went home from Sid's and fell asleep, having had too much to drink. He states that it's possible that Danahy might have been involved, but he stated that Elbert and Jimmy Warren were more likely in his mind to be involved. He stated that they were both hyped up and ready to fight with anyone and they both left Sid's by about 1330 hours as best he can recall. He said Corbett was concerned about Jimmy Warren being in on it and left Sid's right after they got the news to go out to Jimmy's. He hasn't talked to Corbett since then.

Conducted by Deputy George Lamb:

On Saturday, April 12, 1958 Deputy George Lamb interviewed and verified alibis for the following laid off employees of Bowlan Glove, all of whom were cleared of any involvement in the crimes.

Norman and Sharon Anderson (cousins), Ron Babb, Angie Baker, Samuel Gaddis, Delma Hale, Thelma Idzik, Linda Parker, Jerome Peacock, Agnes Ray (who verified the Stout's visit on the afternoon of Friday, April 11), Leroy Ray, Gary Reese, Mike Sharpe, Jaina Kelly and Alfred Weber.

Sunday, April 13, 1958

Conducted by Detective Jack McPhail:

1530 hours, Lou Nash, 63 Philip Road, Oxford, at station. Nash states he was at Sid's, from about 1200 hours or a bit before with Fred Earle, Glenn Johnson, Ralph Quillens, Charlie Duncan, Walter Hinkley and Joe Mitchell. Confirms prior statements that Walter Hinkley was taking the layoff hard. States that he discussed looking for a union job in Michigan or possibly Chicago with several of the men, but states that he and his wife are rooted in the area and he doubts he'll leave, stated that might be good for "some of the younger fellas, but not us old folks". Confirms the prior statements on the details of Jimmy Warren's altercation with Elliott Perch. Confirms that he left with Fred Earle and Glenn Johnson at approx. 1255 hours to go to Robert Abbott's home arriving there around 1330 hours. States that they spent the afternoon with Abbott and his wife until Frank Abbott called around 1600 hours with the news of the Izard murders. He states that he left and went with Earle and Johnson to the station to sign up for the search. He states he was in the group searching Hurricane Creek north from approx. 1700 hours to after 2100 hours. Confirmed by Deputy Moffett. Nash says that he would put one or both of the Warrens or Danahy, Corey and Booker on the list of possible suspects. He states that he can't see anyone going this far and has no other information to assist the investigation.

Conducted by Deputy George Lamb and by Deputy Larry Kuhn:

Deputies Lamb and Kuhn were able to interview and verify alibis for the following Bowlan Glove Factory workers who were laid off on Friday, April 11. All of these individuals were cleared of any involvement and none had information pertinent to the investigation.

Guthrie Adams, Roy Anderson, Paul Arbuckle, Jeff and Paul Beck (brothers), Elizabeth Bramlett, Grace and Roger Chandler (brother and sister), Leslie Dailey, Julia and Peggy Douglass (cousins), Jim and Scott Earle (cousins), Ruth English, Samuel Farmer, Dusty Furr, Nora and Carter Gabbey (cousins), Melissa Hardy, Nathaniel, Pearl, Sadie and Thaddeus Jackson (Sadie and Pearl are sisters, Nathaniel and Thaddeus are cousins), Lee Kearney, Douglas Maddox, Elaine Marlow, Hank Otter, Daniel Schardt, Kate Taylor, Martin Whaling and Ida Williams.

Monday, April 14, 1958

Conducted by Deputy George Lamb and by Deputy Larry Kuhn:

Jack Aldridge, Frank Alford, Doris Crabbe, Mark Dillon, Collette and Wardell Ebberts (cousins), Jennifer Espey, Darryl and Valerie Ford (cousins), Jean Framm, Paul Frye, Marion and Jennings Gaither (brother and sister), Patrick Hatcher, Roy Kersey, Hanna and Samuel Lambert (cousins), Rodney Luther, Will McDuffie, Dwight Neely, Ellen Nelson, Rheta and Tim O'Brien (brother and sister), Stanley Paige, Elroy Riddick, Bill Shaw, Eugene Simms, Kevin Tapp, Jerome and Norma Taylor (brother and sister), Harvey Tubbs, Sidney and Grady Wallace (cousins), Dennis Valentine, Herman West, Jasper Yaeger and Carol Young.

Tuesday, April 15, 1958

Conducted by Deputy George Lamb and by Deputy Larry Kuhn:

Virgle Armstrong, Carter Burdette, Albert Davis, Ed Davis, Calvin Doyle, Dave Eltz, Bruce Ezrine, Britt Fahey, Mike Frye, Henry Gafford, Mike George, Elmer Hovak, Andrew Kellam, Tim Knepp, Mervin Lange, Dana and Jerry Leonard (cousins), Leo Manning, Dewey Miller, Ben Neal, Ray Nugent, Luther Pitts, John Reeder, Jack Ruppert, Lamont Scott, Ron Scott, Ruby Smith, Charles Smith, Lee Tarver, Joe Thomas, Tyrone Tippett, Gus Varney, Dick Vetter, Steve Wallace, Rodney Wayland, Brian Wells, Leroy Whitney and Andy Zeller.