Portsmouth Has A Mysterious Crime: Man, Woman Killed
Article taken from The Coshocton Tribune, October 30, 1921
Portsmouth, Oct. 29. - The most mysterious and sensational murder case in years is today engaging the attention of authorities of Scioto county, and it is hoped that during the day some clue may be unearthed which will solve the enigma of whose hand held the weapon that killed John W. Newman, 26, and Miss Louis Doyle, 18, whose bodies were found yesterday in an abandoned house on the Scioto trail seven miles north of the city.
The couple dropped out of sight on the night of October 21. Newman, who is married and the father of three children, had, to all appearances been living happily with his family. The girl made her home with her mother. So far as now known neither were seen alive again except by the person who fired the shots which resulted in the double murder. The bodies of Newman and his companion were found late yesterday in a little room in the abandoned farm house. They learned of the tragedy, Coroner as tho it had been laid out on a slab. The body of the girl formed a pitiful little heap nearby. Decomposition had already set in.
Scouting the theory of a suicide pact, the first thought of many as they learned of the tragedy. Coroner J. D. Henrickson declared there is no doubt that a double murder was committed. In substantiation of his theory he points to the fact that Newman was shot three times and that the death weapon was not found.
The bullet which killed Miss Doyle entered the left breast near the nipple, pierced the left lung, then the heart.
Two farm hands, Roscoe Chandler and Harvey Lyons who had been sent to place the house in condition for occupancy made the gruesome discovery yesterday afternoon.
Physicians declared that the death dealing bullets must have been fired at close range. Powder burns are showing on the right side of Newman's head and his hair is singed.
Newman, who was secretary of the men's Y. M. C. A. in the city, was looked on as a model young man. His widow, who is prostrated with grief says that he drew his wages at the Exceleior Shoe Co. wher ehe and Miss Doyle were employed, last Friday. Most of the $60 was found in his clothes.
Relatives of Miss Doyle declare that a diamond ring found on her finger was an engagement token. This, however, is denied by the young man who has been in her company in recent months.
The auto in which the couple is believed to have left the city a week ago was found abandonded ten miles from the place where the bodies were found the day after they disappeared. There were no blood stains or any other evidence of struggle apparent on the auto and when found it was thought to have been abandoned because of lack of gasoline.
Confesses Killing of Girl and Man
Article taken from the Irenton Evening Times, 11-7-1921
Portsmouth, Ohio, Niv. 7.--The mysterious murder of Miss Louise Doyle, 19-year-old church worker and J. W. Newman, father of three children, was believed solved today with the alleged confession of Roy Shamblin, 27 years old.
Plans were made for Shamblin to repeat his tale of the murder in a deserted shack near here a week ago before the Scioto County Grand Jury today or tomorrow. He was arrested in Cincinnati Saturday.
Shamblin's curiousity resulted in a double murder, according to the account given Sheriff Rickey, who made thea rrest. The night of October 28 Shamblin was on his way to visit relatives in Portsmouth when he passed the abandoned cabin. He said he noticed an automobile outside and entered the cottage to investigate.
Shamblin said a brick was thrown at him and he opened fire at the silhouetted figures. The third shot brought Newman to the floor. When Miss Doyle attempted to flee, he grabbed her, pressed the weapon to her breast and fired, the alleged cofession said.