Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

Jury selection dragged on in the Della Olds murder case. Emotions ran high when a prosecutor asked a potential juror if he thought a person who shot a victim from behind – while the victim was on the telephone – could claim self-defense.

Mrs. Olds’ attorney called that question the “most wanton disregard of a defendant’s rights” he had ever heard. He demanded the court discharge all of the jurors already on the panel.

The judge declined.

From the love and marriage beat: A well-known Spokane mining engineer was in jail for firing a shot at the head of his wife during an argument. His defense: He was only trying to scare her.

The husband came home in a slightly inebriated state, got into a heated discussion and let loose a shot from 3 feet away.

The wife ran to a neighbor’s house and hid in the cellar. When police arrived, the husband was trying to break into the neighbor’s house.

The dispute was caused by the husband’s “intense jealousy.”

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1922: The first Newberry Medal, recognizing excellence in children’s literature, was awarded in Detroit to “The Story of Mankind” by Hendrik Willem van Loon.