PRETTY WOMAN KIDNAPPED.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 90, 16 April 1921, Page 19

PRETTY WOMAN KIDNAPPED.

The maximum punishment allowed by the C alifoLuian indeterminate sentence law was Imposed on Arthur and Floyd Carr for the abduction of the beautiful Mrs. Gladj-s Witherell, whom they held captive in a shack for live days, and for whom they demanded a ransom of £4000. Each of the accused was sent to prison for a term of from ten years to life. The Court was crowded with men and women, and the trial was dramatic in the extreme. The husband, Mr. 0..5. Witherell, a broker, of Hollywood, told how the captivity had unnerved his 23-year-old' -wife. •At times I hardly could hold her in bed, she cried and struggled so," he said. The husband was questioned by Arthur Carr, who asked if she had not stated that he had given her medicines, and had dressed her wounds. Witherell said hie wife had told him that Arthur Carr apparently had knowledge of osteopathy, that he had massaged a welt on her shoulder, and had bandaged a cut at the back of her knee. The prisoner also drew from the husband statements that the kidnappers had assurred Mrs. Witherell she would not be harmed, and that she would be restored to her family. There was a sensation in Court when a detective, fell on his knees with outspread arms and in a husky voice described in words and motions how Mrs. Witherell hud greeted her rescuers in the lonely shaeS In the foothills. "There are a number of crimes which in this State are punishable by death, but none are more despicable than the one to which you have pleaded guilty." said Judge. Reeve, who presided. He pointed out that the most severe punishment possible for the two men was imprisonment for life. He said that it was customary for the Prison Board in considering application for release of prisoners to confer with the Judge who imposed sentence. "I may not be a Judge at that time in your case, bnt I hope that I am," the Judge added.