Former Policeman is Indicted at Slayer
Article taken from The Lima News, December 23, 1934
Portsmouth, O., - Dec. 22- (AP)-James C. Eden, former Columbus policeman, was indicted today on a charge he slew his wife, Edna Eden, in their family car near the Lawrence-co line July 29.
After the killing of Mrs. Eden was reported, the former officer was reported to have said machine gunners in two automobiles opened fire on them while they were driving. Sheriff Al Bridwell reported Eden later confessed the killing.
Thomas Patten, of near Lyra, also was indicted on a first degree murder charge in connection with the death of his nephew, Waldo Monroe, a rural school teacher, who was shot while cutting corn Sept. 11. The shooting followed a family quarrel, it was charged.
Former Police Officer Enters State Hospital
Article taken from The Lima News, January 15, 1935
James C. Eden, former Columbus policeman, was admitted to the Lima State Hospital for the Criminal Insane late Monday for a 30-day period of observation.
Eden was ordered committed by Judge B. F. Kimble, of Scioto-co common pleas court, Portsmouth, after he pleaded not guilty, by reason of insanity, of the first degree murder of his wife. Mrs. Edna C. Eden. She was shot to death on route 52, near the Scioto-Lawrence-co line, last summer.
At the end of the 30-day observation period, a report will be made to the Scioto-co court. Should Eden be declared insane he will remain at the institution. If found sane, he will be returned to Portsmouth for trial of the murder charge.
Further Study to be Made
of Sanity Charge, 2-11-1935
James C. Eden, former Columbus policeman, who was admitted to the Lima State Hospital for the Criminal Insane last Jan. 14 for a 30-day period of observation, must remain at the institution for another month.
Terming Eden's case as unusual R. E. Bushong, hospital superintendent, said he had been granted the time extension for further study of the former policeman's mental status.
The order was issued by Judge B. F. Kimble, of Scioto-co common pleas court, Portsmouth, where Eden, early in January, pleaded not guilty, by reason of insanity, of the first degree murder of his wife, Mrs. Edna C. Eden. She was shot to death on route 52, near Scioto-Lawrence-co line, last summer.
Eden's case was scheduled to come before the hospital's staff for a report Wednesday. Additional time was required to search into the history of the accused slayer, Dr. Bushong said.
At the end of the 60-day observation period, a report will
be made to the Scioto-co court. Should Eden be declared insane he will remain
at the institution. If found sane, he will be returned to Portsmouth for
trial