Earl G. Stevens Pleads Not Guilty to Hammer Killing of Local Farmer

Article taken from The Coshocton Tribune, June 4, 1950

PORTSMOUTH, OH - (UP) - Earl G. Stevens, 31. was held in Scioto county jail without bond today after he pleaded innocent to a charge of first degree murder in the hammer slaying of a farmer of near West Carlisle in Coshocton county.

Municipal Judge Kenneth Cranston ordered the Lucasville odd-jobs man held for the grand jury on the charge filed by Chief Deputy Sheriff Russell Burns.

Stevens is accused of beating J.H. Walker, 45, to death during an argument the night of May 27. Deputies said Stevens, a World War II veteran and father of three, admitted the slaying while being questioned about a drunk driving conviction.

Stevens told the officers the argument began when walker used profanity in front of his 24-year-old wife Ruth. He said he beat Walker on the head with the hammer after the Coshocton county man had struck him with a piece of stove wood.