Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

In a move that shocked observers, the Spokane prosecutor charged Della Olds, 29, with first-degree murder in the shooting of her husband, Dr. W.H. Olds, 60.

Because of the apparent circumstances – her drunken husband, she said, was cruelly beating her – most people believed she would be charged only with manslaughter or second-degree murder at most.

Yet the prosecutor announced that new facts in his possession had “changed the complexion of the case.” He refused to disclose what those facts were, saying only that Mrs. Olds had not told the complete story and that the autopsy findings showed some discrepancies.

Spokane would not learn until later about all of the sensational new evidence in the prosecutor’s possession. They would have to wait until the next day.

Meanwhile, readers of this column will have to wait another day as well. Trust me, it’ll be worth it.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1962: Former Nazi official Adolf Eichmann was hanged in Israel a few minutes before midnight for his role in the Holocaust. Eichmann’s remains were cremated, the ashes scattered in the Mediterranean Sea.

1970: A magnitude 7.9 earthquake in Peru claimed an estimated 67,000 lives.