Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

The defense attorney for Della Olds delivered a tongue-lashing to Spokane’s police force during closing arguments in her first-degree murder trial.

He accused the police chief and the head detective of being more skilled at dealing cards in the Owl gambling house than in investigating a murder case.

The attorney said the police chief, while on the stand, admitted he could not tell from which direction Dr. Olds’ blood spatters came.

“I do not believe he could tell which way water comes from a hose,” the defense attorney said.

The attorney was bitter at what he said was a deliberate pattern of deception by the police and prosecutors throughout the trial.

The rest of his closing argument was a recap of all of the injuries and abuse inflicted on Della Olds by her late husband, Dr. W.H. Olds.

The prosecutor, in his closing arguments, virtually conceded that the evidence did not warrant a first-degree murder conviction but asked the jury to remember that they had the option of finding her guilty on lesser murder charges or manslaughter.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1812: U.S. forces led by Gen. William Hull invaded Canada during the War of 1812 against Britain. However, Hull retreated shortly thereafter to Detroit.