After the grand jury failed to indict Casper Oveross for the murder, the newspaper reporting of the murder dropped to almost nothing, with only rare small articles reporting some small item that they scavenged from a police source. But the police continued their investigation.
Wednesday, March 2, 1955
Sheriff’s Deputy Amos O. Shaw:
8:00 AM On duty.
8:45 AM Conference with Sheriff and investigating officers.
9:40 AM Clear of office enroute to Silverton.
10:15 AM At Roy Hage residence. Casper hunted on Hage place during hunting season doesn’t know what kind of gun used.
10:35 AM Contact District Attorney Ken Brown, get address of Lena Steffen.
10:45 AM At 1st. Nat. Bank Silverton, Casper O. has had a bank account back to 1945, Will attempt to check books after discussing it with legal department.
11:30 AM Contact Sheriff and Sarg. Huffman
11:55 AM Contact Lena Clark was Steffen, never knew Casper Oveross.
12:05 PM Lunch at Silverton
1:15 PM Contact Rosemary Seward, 212 West Center St. Silverton. Told us that at 8:15 PM on Feb. 17th. 1955, she had left home to go to Frank’s Grocery. Remembered the time because she had listened to television program and had to rush down before the store closed. While in the store she saw and talked to Casper Oveross whom was purchasing some articles. Stated that at the time he didn’t appear to be intoxicated. She stated she didn’t see him after that.
1:25 PM Check at Frank’s Grocery established fact that Casper was in the store on night of murder or the night before. Butcher wasn’t quite sure. However established fact that Casper did buy groceries there.
1:30 PM Contact Shirley Hopkins, regarding name of brother. Duane Mattox 19 yrs. 936 So. Water. Girl friend is Peggy Manson.
1:45 PM Contact Duane Mattox 936 So. Water reg night of 2-17-55. Duane was at cabin watching T.V. Not sure of time, 8:30 PM or 8:40 PM 2-17-55, looked out window and seems like he saw Cap’s car drive up. Heard car motor stop and heard car door slam, also heard some one go in Cap’s cabin. Was in about 10 minutes or less and heard the party leave.
2:25 PM Contact Mrs. Erma Moore.
Ethel Oveross and Mrs. Moore are very good friends and have been together almost every day since the murder of Mr. Kaser.
Ethel Oveross said that she got home on night of 17th. Of Feb. and went to bed, she laid awake for quite a while and heard the shots. She laid there awake and worried about the shots until notified that Ervin Kaser had been shot. Also right after the shots she heard a car speed away, (was indefinite car may have slowed down in front of her house.) Then she heard Edith Kaser drive by and recognized the sound of vehicle.
Also Ethel had been told Mrs. Moore she didn’t know how Casper had got the opportunity to shoot Ervin, as Ervin was mortally afraid of Casper and afraid he would shoot him. Ervin according to Ethel always was on the alert watching his rear view mirror and watching side roads for Casper. She said if he had noticed any headlights in his rear view mirror that night she knows he would have gone on by and it would have been just a matter of which one ran out of gas first.
Ethel also told Erma that on Saturday night Feb. 5th. Ervin and Ethel were out together, and Colleen knew it and hurried right down and told Casper about it.
One occasion since murder, Ethel and Erma was discussing the case at Oveross house and Colleen told her mother to shut up as she may have a mike hid in the house.
State Police Private Lloyd T. Riegel:
Mr. Roy Hage, Rt. 3, Silverton, was checked relative to Casper Oveross having hunted on his property. It was learned that Casper Oveross has hunted on the Hage property various times, however, as to the type of weapon used by Oveross was questionable. Mr. Hage was quite definite that Casper had not hunted on his property for two or possibly three years and that he had no idea as to whether the weapon that Casper was using was his or a borrowed one.
Deputy Shaw and the writer contacted J. Carey Moore, manager of the First National Bank, Silverton, Oregon, with reference to a possibility that Casper Oveross had written a check amounting to $69 for payment of a rifle supposedly purchased in year 1949. Mr. Moore stated that he had no knowledge of this check and that only the bank account sheets would remain on file at the bank. Mr. Moore further stated that the odd amount of $69 could very easily be checked and it could also be determined to whom deposited the check if it was deposited in the Silverton area. Mr. Moore stated that this would entail quite a lot of work and considerable checking, however, that he would be glad to do this if it became necessary to check this. However, before the information would be divulged that he would be required to check and receive permission from the bank’s legal department but he was quite sure this would be permissable.
Deputy Shaw and the writer then contacted Rosemary Seward, 212 Center Street, Silverton. Rosemary Seward stated that she and her husband were purchasing groceries on 17 February 1955 at 8:15 P.M. at Frank’s Grocery, West Main Street. She stated that while they were purchasing groceries she had observed Casper Oveross also purchasing groceries and that Oveross had made some comment and that she had spoken to him. She further stated that at that time Casper Oveross was not drunk and that he did not appear to have been drinking. She stated that Oveross was till in the store when they left at approximately 8:20 and she did not know where he went after leaving the store. She further stated that she definitely did not see Casper Oveross at 11:15 P.M. on 17 February 1955 nor has she seen him at any time since the 8:15 meeting referred to above. Frank’s Grocery was contacted and the above information was verified by the manager at Frank’s Grocery.
Deputy Shaw and the writer contacted Erma Moore for additional information. The Moore residence is about 500 feet north and east of the Oveross residence. Mrs. Moore stated that she and Ethel Oveross had been very good friends for seven years and that they visited each other daily. Mrs. Moore further stated that she had visited every day with Ethel Oveross since the shooting of Ervin Kaser and the topic has been of conversation most. Mrs. Moore stated that Ethel said that she got home about 10:30 P.M. on 17 February and that she was in bed when she heard the shots. She said she heard a car go by very slow and then she heard Edith Kaser’s old pickup come along almost instantaneously after the first vehicle. Ethel stated after hearing this she was just sure that Cap had shot Ervin. This had worried Ethel so much that she was unable to go to sleep and was still awake when Harvey Kaser came at 2:30 to get her. Mrs. Moore further stated that Ethel had repeated time after time that she is sure that Cap is the one that shot Ervin, but she cannot understand just how he was successful in getting at him. She related to Mrs. Moore that Ervin had been afraid of Cap and was also afraid that Cap would shoot him and had watched very closely and that if he had observed any vehicle following him on his way home that he would have not stopped at home. Ehtel said that she was sure that Ervin had seen the headlights that he would have kept driving until one of the two cars ran out of gas. She further stated that Ervin had been quite cautious to always keep his tank full of gas as he had suspected that he might be followed. She further stated that he had been cautious to watch his rearview mirror and that he had become accustomed to parking his car at the rear of his home so that he could get out and go in the back door without being seen. She does not think that he would have parked his car in the driveway unless he would have seen someone in the yard or in the field near his house. Ethel further stated to Mrs. Moore that on 5 February 1955 she and Ervin Kaser had gone to a dance and Colene and Danny had found out and had run and told Casper Oveross. She also said that Danny Gilham and Colene, her daughter, had followed her and Ervin several times and had reported to Casper Oveross.
Ethel stated that the fact that she told Colene that she was intending to attend lodge on the night of 17 February 1955 was almost a dead give away to Colene that she was going out with Ervin Kaser. She stated that this had been a common practice for her to tell Colene she was going to lodge and then go out with Ervin. Cap had also known that this was taking place. Mrs. Moore said that Colene had given her mother the devil about talking to the officers and the people in general about the shooting and has threatened her with the fact that a mike and recorder has been planted in the house and that everything she tells to any officer or to any person, Mr. Williams will also know about it. It is supposed by this that Mr. Williams referred to is Bruce Williams the attorney for Casper Oveross.
On 26 February 1955 when Deputy Shaw and this officer picked up Danny Gilham at the Oveross residence, Mrs. Moore’s daughter, Shirley, was at the house. When the above mentioned officers left with Mr. Gilham for the Salem office Colene phoned Bruce Williams and he came to the house immediately. Colene and Mr. Williams went over to the the Gilham residence. When they returned to the house Colene Oveross was very mad and stated that the old bitty is on the side of the law and has made Danny tell the law that Cap came to him and told him he had pumped three shots in Ervin Kaser, however Mr. Williams found out about it now.
Mrs. Moore was questioned about the relationship between Edith Kaser and Ethel Oveross, her sister. Mrs. Moore stated that they were as close as two thiefs and she was sure that Edith would cover for Ethel. Edith further stated that when she went by the house on the night of the shooting that she had looked to see if Ethel’s car was in the driveway and that she had not seen anything. Mrs. Moore was further questioned about Connie Kellerhal and how well she had knew the Kellerhals. She state that she had known Connie Kellerhal very well and that she was almost sure that there was nothing between Connie and Ervin Kaser. She stated that Ervin had made a pass or two at Connie several years ago while working in the hop dryer and this had made Connie very mad and that she had told Ervin Kaser off, after which he had left her alone.
Sheriff Denver Young:
9:30 A.M. Sheriffs Office. Prepare cartridge from Moore gun for laboratory.
10:00 A.M. Courthouse. Check county clerk records for divorce of Mary Kaser vs Ervin Kaser. Check records on divorce of Oveross vs. Oveross.
12:00 Noon Courthouse. Check records of Clarence Huntley vs. Mary Huntley.
1:45 P.M. Rhotens office. Interview with Mary Kaser in presence of Mr. Ray Rhoten. Recording made. Disc in custody of State Police.
3:15 P.M. Contact Chief Main and Harvey Kaser that Myrtle Schar had received a letter from Ervin Kaser, also similar information from Mrs. Ida Brady of J.C. Penny Co. Harvey also suggests checking on incident happening last October where Casper tried to run Ethel off the road near Pratum. Harvey also states that after he built his new home, he and his wife were in Casper Oveross home and while they were on the davenport, Casper went into the kitchen and returned with a new gun, lever action, Casper stated that it was a new gun and that he had just purchased it.
Oregon State Police Sergeant Wayne G. Huffman:
Checked with the Marion County Clerk’s office on divorce case of MARY LOUISA KASER, wife of victim. It was their file #41278, showing Mary Louisa Kaser, plaintiff versus Ervin Oren Kaser, defendant. It showed they were married October 21, 1939 in Salem, Oregon. In the divorce complaint she had charged him with Mental Cruelty, and listed following acts.
“Stays out late at night, never says where he has been, also stays away from home for several days at a time.”
“Compells plaintiff to support herself.”
“Refuses to buy food for her and makes her buy her own food and clothing.”
“Fails to take plaintiff anywhere to visit her friends or acquaintances.”
“At times defendant has locked plaintiff and her daughter out of their house.”
“Defendant does associate with and keep company with another woman or other women from time to time, and is now associating with another woman.”
“Defendant is sullen and has a mean disposition.”
“Defendant refuses to have plaintiff know any of the family business or finances.”
“Defendant has struck and beat plaintiff, that he has pulled handfulls of hair form her head at times.”
Complaint alleges real and cash property with a total value of $30,000.00, and that plaintiff be awarded one-half the property or $15,000.00, plus $250.00 attorney fees if not contested, otherwise $500.00. Defendant’s counter-complaint acknowledges the value of the property, but denies above listed allegations. The divorce action was still pending at time of victim’s death.
Check with the Marion County Clerk’s office, Salem, on the Divorce case of CAPSER OVEROSS versus ETHEL OVEROSS, their case #41335, filed August 20, 1954, shows basis of complaint that Defendant, Ethel Oveross, was associating with men, and one in particular. There were no names mentioned in the complaint. The Counter-complaint denied all allegations, but asked for Separate maintenance as she had no money and plaintiff was employed at rate of $2.00 an hour at Corvallis, Oregon, doing carpenter work. The final divorce decree awarded her one car and the house and 8 acre property on which it stood, custody of the two children with $80.00 a month support money.
Additional check with the Marion County Clerk’s office, revealed that MARY LOUISA KASER had been previously married to a CLARENCE M. HUNTLEY. A check on that divorce showed MARY L. HUNTLEY versus CLARENCE M HUNTLEY, filed December 5, 1938, their file #27709. Complaint alleges defendant cruel and inhuman and accused plaintiff falsely of going with other men. It never asked for support money for the minor child. Divorce decree was uncontested.
On March 2, 1955, Sheriff Young and writer secured statement from Mrs. Mary Louisa Kaser, which was arranged by her attorney J. Ray Rhoten at his office. Recording was made and has been transcribed and accompanies this report.
Statement of Mary Kaser, wife of Ervin Kaser:
[XXXXX is used in this transcript to denote where the State Police have blacked out the names of minors and medical information. I’ll restore, in square brackets, those names that I can from other sources]
STATEMENT OF MARY LOUISA KASER
ATTORNEY J. R. RHOTEN: At this time it is quarter till two, March 3, 1955, on the afternoon of that day. J. R. Rhoten one of the attorneys in the firm of Rhoten, Rhoten & Speerstra has consented to taking the voluntary statement of Edna – er Mary Kaser with respect to the death of Ervin Kaser and we are making this recording with the understanding that the recording will not be used in evidence in any matter that might come before the courts in Oregon with respect to the death of Ervin Kaser. And with the understanding that at any time any member of our firm desires to re-hear this recording we will be afforded that opportunity and with a further understanding that some questions may be objected to in which case Mrs. Kaser may refuse to answer those questions without regard to whether or not the questions might be pertinent to the investigation and also with the understanding that if there are any questions that need explanation she may give such explanation at any time. With respect to the statement can’t be used in any court Sergeant Huffman, is it, of the State Police and I have discussed that matter and that is to particular reference to any case in which Mary Kaser might be a defendant and also for the purpose of not permitting the recording to be used for impeachment purposes. There are present at this time Sergeant Huffman of the State Police,k Denver Young, Sheriff of Marion County Oregon, Mary Kaser and myself.
SERGEANT WAYNE HUFFMAN: This is Sergeant Huffman, State Police. This interview is conducted in Mr. Rhoten’s office on March 2, 1955. Starting the interrogation of Mrs. Mary Kaser is at 1:57 P. M. First I would like for you to identify yourself, Mrs. Kaser. Your name is Mary Kaser?
MARY LOUISA KASER: Yes.
HUFFMAN: What is your middle name?
KASER: Louisa.
HUFFMAN: Louisa. And your address at the present time is what?
KASER: Rt. 3, Box 115 A, Silverton.
HUFFMAN: At the time Ervin Kaser was shot, where were you living?
KASER:2054 North Capitol, Salem.
HUFFMAN: And that was on February 17, 1955?
KASER: Yes
HUFFMAN: What time did you learn of his death?
KASER: About 6:00 Friday morning on the 18th.
HUFFMAN: On February the 18th?
KASER It was the Friday morning following the –
HUFFMAN: Friday morning following shooting?
KASER: Yes.
HUFFMAN: And how were you notified?
KASER: His sister called the manager, not really the manager but the man that takes care of the apartment house there. Called him because I didn’t have a phone and he came down and told me there was an emergency call and I went up to his phone and they told me over the phone.
HUFFMAN: This address in Salem is that an apartment house?
KASER: There are three – four apartments that I know of and a doctor and a dentist have their offices upstairs.
HUFFMAN: Is there any specific name for those apartments?
KASER: Not that I know of.
HUFFMAN: When were you and Ervin Kaser married?
KASER: October 21, 1939.
HUFFMAN: Had you ever been married previous to that?
KASER: Yes.
HUFFMAN: What was your other husbands name before Mr. Kaser?
KASER: Clarence Huntley.
HUFFMAN: Clarence Huntley?
KASER: Yes.
HUFFMAN: Is he still living?
KASER: Yes.
HUFFMAN: Where does he live?
KASER: I believe that he lives at Goldhill, I couldn’t say for sure.
HUFFMAN: Goldhill, Oregon?
KASER: Yes.
HUFFMAN: How long were you married to Mr. Huntley?
KASER: We were married in 1932, divorced in 1938.
HUFFMAN: 1938, thats about six years. I understand your daughter now is the daughter of Mr. Huntley?
KASER: Yes.
HUFFMAN: What is her name?
KASER: Phyllis Boyd, er Mrs. Ervin – excuse me, Mrs. Virgil Boyd.
HUFFMAN: Mrs. Virgil Boyd?
KASER: Yes.
HUFFMAN: Where do they reside?
KASER: 4810 Rymon Road, Salem.
HUFFMAN: You and Ervin were in the proceedings of getting a divorce, is that correct?
KASER: Yes.
HUFFMAN: Was there something in the divorce proceedings concerning Ervin Kaser going with another woman?
KASER: Yes.
HUFFMAN: Would you name this other woman in the divorce proceedings?
KASER: No.
HUFFMAN: I understand that you sued Ervin for the divorce?
KASER: Yes.
HUFFMAN: The divorce hadn’t been final is that right?
KASER: Hadn’t been.
HUFFMAN: Hadn’t been consummated, the divorce?
KASER: No.
HUFFMAN: Do you know who this other woman was who Ervin was suppose to be going with? Do you mind stating her name?
KASER: Ethel Oveross.
HUFFMAN: How long had you known that Ervin might be going with Ethel Oveross?
KASER: To actually know that it was her, since the 4th of July 1954.
HUFFMAN: 4th of July 1954? How did – do you attribute that date? Was there something happen that you learned of it?
KASER: Yes.
HUFFMAN: Would you mind explaining?
KASER: I had suspicioned another woman for some time but I didn’t know who and on this particular day Mr. Oveross came to my door – came to the door of my home in tears and told me that they were out together that day.
SHERIFF DENVER YOUNG: That is who was out together that day?
KASER: That my husband, Ervin Kaser was out with his wife Ethel Oveross.
HUFFMAN: And you say Mr. Oveross came to your house, which Oveross is that?
KASER: Casper.
HUFFMAN: Casper Oveross?
KASER: Yes.
HUFFMAN: Did he mention anything else other than they were out together?
KASER: I can’t recall his exact words. I was shocked to learn that it was her ’cause I had considered her a friend of mine. He said, as nearly as I can remember, that he had had all he could stand and that he was going to sue for divorce.
HUFFMAN: That’s the first time you of it, is that right?
KASER: That’s the first time that I knew it was her, yes. It was a shock to me.
HUFFMAN: There may have been other times then that you suspected him of being out with some woman?
KASER: Yes.
HUFFMAN: Is there any other women that you might think he was out with?
KASER: I have no idea. I had no idea at that time and I know of no other woman that he would be interested in.
HUFFMAN: Have you heard since of any other women that he may have been interested in?
KASER: No.
HUFFMAN: What caused you to become first suspicious, this conversation with Oveross or Mr. Kaser’s actions?
KASER: Mr. Kaser’s actions.
HUFFMAN: What was that?
KASER: Oh, quite sometime previous to that he became very indifferent. Do I have to name all these? Most of them are on the divorce proceedings.
HUFFMAN: If you recall them I would like to know.
KASER: He began staying out late, he began wanting to sleep alone, he refused to support me, locked me out of the home, in fact I had threatened the police several times even to get in my home. That is threaten to go to the police and I actually did talk to them once.
HUFFMAN: Did he ever beat on you? Or beat you up?
KASER: He shoved me around a great deal, yes.
HUFFMAN: But you never heard of any other women by name that he might have been with?
KASER: No.
HUFFMAN: You moved back into his place at this address Rt. 3, Box 115 A, Silverton, what date?
KASER: Sunday, February 20th.
HUFFMAN: Was that the day following the time that I and two other officers contacted you?
KASER: The day you were at my home?
HUFFMAN: Yes.
KASER: That was the day before. You were there on a Monday that was the night of the funeral and we moved in the day before on Sunday.
HUFFMAN: Day before?
KASER: Yes.
ATTORNEY J. R. RHOTEN: And I might add that that was with our instructions.
KASER: Yes, not to my liking, in particular.
HUFFMAN: Your attorney instructed you to do this?
KASER: Yes. It was very difficult I assure you.
HUFFMAN: Is that in order to protect the estate?
KASER: Yes.
HUFFMAN: Do you know any close friends or associates of Ervin Kaser?
KASER: Businssmen with whom he had business is about all. He went fishing with our neighbor and I should I name him, and as far as having close friends I don’t – I can’t say as he had close friends. He was not a friendly man, that is he was friendly to everyone but had no particular friend. He was – he like to be alone a lot. It’s hard to tell anybody.
HUFFMAN: He more or less put himself into a shell and did not associate with people is that –
KASER: Yes, we – I never could quite understand him.
HUFFMAN: I understand that your husband stayed out overnight at nights?
KASER: Yes.
HUFFMAN: Did you tell me that earlier?
KASER: Yes.
HUFFMAN: Did he ever give any explanation as to where he had been?
KASER: No. I heard that – afterwards where he might have been in a certain place but – he had never told me himself.
HUFFMAN: And where would this certain place be?
KASER: Once at the coast with whom I don’t know and another time he received a bills shortly after from a Rhinehart Clinic, I think its at Wheeler, and I just supposed thats where he had been. And at another time that he was gone, well, these were weekends he was gone about the time that the hop convention was on in Portland, but to prove I don’t know. But he never explained and didn’t tell me he was leaving, in fact I was very upset because he didn’t come home.
HUFFMAN: This place on the coast did you know exactly where it was, now?
KASER: Unless he went to his relatives I don’t know. He has relatives at Otis.
HUFFMAN: Otis.
KASER: Rose Lodge and around in there, but I couldn’t say for sure, I just guessed he might have been at these places.
HUFFMAN: Did you just name, specifically state one woman in your divorce decree?
KASER: I didn’t name anyone.
HUFFMAN: Was it one woman or many women?
KASER: Women – I don’t really remember I believe it was women and one specific woman specified but that was just put on there when –
HUFFMAN: You could only state then against the one woman?
KASER: To my knowledge, yes, that’s all I know.
HUFFMAN: We understand he had quite a background for women. I thought possibly you might have heard since this happened or may have known before. Do you know of any other women that may be involved?
KASER: I know of no other women except I heard that there were other women in the past before I married him, but I don’t know their names.
HUFFMAN: Did you ever hear of any after you married him?
KASER: No. I trusted him and I probably, if I had been looking for it, I might have seen or heard but
HUFFMAN: Your – Was Clarence Huntley your first husband?
KASER: Yes.
HUFFMAN: You say he – you last heard from him in Goldhill?
KASER: I didn’t hear from him, I heard of him and that he was living in Goldhill.
HUFFMAN: How long ago has that been?
KASER: I couldn’t say. I see his brother and wife occasionally and probably during the conversation sometime it was mentioned, but I couldn’t say when.
HUFFMAN: Does he have a brother and sister-in-law living here?
KASER: In Scio, inside of Scio.
HUFFMAN: What are their names?
KASER: Haskal Huntley.
HUFFMAN: Haskal Huntley?
KASER: Yes.
HUFFMAN: Have you ever heard of any woman he may have been connected with who might have lived around Madras?
KASER: That Mr. – that Clarence Huntley had been connected with?
HUFFMAN: No that Ervin Kaser – excuse me. Ever heard anyone over there?
KASER: No.
HUFFMAN: Do you know if he ever made any trips over to Madras to Eastern Oregon?
KASER: No, I don’t. He could have, I don’t know. He went by himself a great deal.
HUFFMAN: I understand that you inherit the property?
KASER: I inherit the debts.
HUFFMAN: The debts. Considerable debts on the property?
KASER: Yes.
HUFFMAN: How well have you known Casper Oveross?
KASER: I’ve known him ever since I married Ervin and a few days after I met him and we have lived neighbors – he lived down the road a few houses.
HUFFMAN: Has Casper and his wife ever visited in your home?
KASER: They have, yes.
HUFFMAN: Had your husband, Ervin Kaser, ever gone hunting with Casper Oveross?
KASER: I don’t recall that he had. They were never – he may have but not to my knowledge.
HUFFMAN: Do you know if Casper Oveross has a rifle?
KASER: I don’t know. I don’t know what kind of guns he has, he has gone hunting lots. I imagine he has guns but I wouldn’t say what they were – I don’t know one gun from another.
HUFFMAN: Have you ever seen him with a rifle?
KASER: No.
HUFFMAN: I understand that the time you married Clarence Huntley you were living in Stayton?
KASER: Yes.
HUFFMAN: Your folks live in Stayton yet? Have you heard anything – any discussions relative to the case whether or not Casper Oveross may have shot your husband?
KASER: Say that again please.
HUFFMAN: Have you ever heard any discussions since your husbands death of whether or not Casper Oveross shot him?
KASER: I’ve heard various remarks, they were usually that they couldn’t believe that he would do it because if he was going to do it he would have done it a long time ago or if he was going to shoot anyone he would have shot his wife. That was about all I heard.
HUFFMAN: Did Casper ever tell you that he didn’t want a divorce?
KASER: No.
HUFFMAN: What was the reason that you moved out of the house at the time you filed for a divorce?
KASER: I was instructed to by my lawyer. I saw him before I moved out.
HUFFMAN: He advised you to move?
KASER: Yes.
HUFFMAN: Do you have any questions, Denver?
SHERIFF DENVER YOUNG: There are two there that you might clarify. We might find some of the rumors that we heard by mouth.
HUFFMAN: Do you know of – or ever heard of Casper Oveross lying in wait in a field for your husband?
KASER: No.
HUFFMAN: Going to shoot him if he was over to his wife’s house?
KASER: No.
HUFFMAN: You never heard that story?
KAESR: No.
HUFFMAN: Have you ever made any statements to anyone that you knew considerable about this case?
KASER: No.
HUFFMAN: Have you talked to this case – er talked about this case to anyone other than your attorney?
KASER: Perhaps I’ve said a thing or two to members of the family but not anything –
HUFFMAN: Did you form any opinions on it as to who shot your husband?
KASER: No. In fact I couldn’t believe that it would be Casper Oveross. Even tho he perhaps had a motive still it didn’t seem like he would do a thing like that.
HUFFMAN: Have you heard of any threats that Casper Oveross may have made towards your husband?
KASER: I heard him make no threats.
HUFFMAN: Did you hear of any threats made?
KASER: I’ve heard a little gossip but I have never heard him make a threat.
HUFFMAN: Who did you hear this gossip from?
KASER: I couldn’t say for sure, perhaps brothers –
HUFFMAN: Brothers?
KASER: I really can’t say that I can remember them – There has been so much.
HUFFMAN: Do you know of any relationship between your husband and Mrs. Kellerhall?
KASER: Absolutely not.
HUFFMAN: Have you ever heard of any?
KASER: No.
HUFFMAN: Since this – since your husbands death has anyone ever contacted you and stated about Casp – er about your husband had been out with considerable number of women throughout Silverton?
KASER: No.
HUFFMAN: You stated of having considerable debts. You mean to say that estate of Kaser’s is burdened with debts?
KASER: I’d say that, yes.
ATTORNEY J. R. RHOTEN: I might say that there has been no appraisal yet and the amount of the estate has not been determined at all or the amount of the mortgage or obligations yet.
HUFFMAN: Do you have any estiment of the amount of the estate?
RHOTEN: No, we don’t yet, because the appraisers haven’t made a termination at all. That is there is the farm place that is the place where he was er no –
KASER: No.
RHOTEN: The farm place and then the place where he lived is the only real property that we know of. We haven’t heard from the banks at all as to what the assets might be or his obligations might be.
HUFFMAN: What are some of these debts that you referred to Mrs. Kaser?
KASER: Just by checking the papers that are around as near as I could, there is a large mortgage on our home and a large payment due on tractor and hop supply bill, a terrific one, hop storage bills, labor bills, very. Nothing is exact, I have just a veg idea.
HUFFMAN: How long were you married to Ervin?
KASER: Almost fifteen years we were married.
HUFFMAN: Do you have any children by him?
KASER: No.
HUFFMAN: Is there any reason for that?
KASER: Yes.
HUFFMAN: Did that cause any family discord?
KASER: No.
HUFFMAN: Do you mind stating what the reasons were?
KASER: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [medical information removed by State Police; most likely she’d had a hysterectomy or had her tubes tied]
HUFFMAN: Was Mr. Kaser aware of that? When married?
KASER: I told him, I don’t believe he checked with the doctors, but I told him.
HUFFMAN: That didn’t cause any family strive?
KASER: No, I think it rather pleased him.
HUFFMAN: Was there any reason in his family life that he should seek other women?
KASER: No. That’s the part I can’t understand either. That part of our life was harmonious.
HUFFMAN: Normal?
KASER: Yes.
HUFFMAN: You had never heard of the story that he may have been keeping company with Mrs. Kellerhall?
KASER: No.
HUFFMAN: How long have you known Mrs. Kellerhall? This is the end of side one it will be continued on side two. This is Sergeant Huffman side two continuing the interview with Mrs. Mary Kaser, presence of her attorney Mr. Rhoten, Sheriff Denver Young of Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Sergeant Huffman of the State Police. There hasn’t been a full settlement on the estate as far as the indebtedness against it?
KASER: No.
HUFFMAN: The allocations set forth in the divorce decree lists approximately $30,000. Is that just a rough estimate?
KASER: Yes. Exaggerated I guess.
ATTORNEY J. R. RHOTEN: You might correct that – divorce complaint not decree. Decree has never been taken as the case was never heard. It was set for trial on March 17.
HUFFMAN: Did Ervin Kaser leave a will?
KASER: Not to my knowledge.
HUFFMAN: We understand that he was suppose to have left a will with some property to Ethel Oveross.
KASER: That’s the first time I ever heard that.
HUFFMAN: You never heard of anything like that?
KASER: No I haven’t.
HUFFMAN: Does your husband, Ervin Kaser, and Casper Oveross ever gone hunting together?
KASER: Not that I now of. They may have, I don’t know.
HUFFMAN: Do you ever – while you were married to Mr. Huntley did you ever go out with Ervin prior to your divorce with Mr. Huntley?
KASER: Do I have to answer that question?
RHOTEN: No you don’t have to answer that question.
KASER: I don’t want to. [EK_note: Since Mary seemed willing to answer everything else, only refused to answer this question, and if the answer were “no” she’d probably have answered it, I would guess that Ervin and Mary did have a relationship while she was still married to Mr. Huntley. It doesn’t really matter, but it does cast further light upon Ervin and his relationships with women, married or otherwise.]
HUFFMAN: You don’t wish to answer that question?
RHOTEN: Yes.
HUFFMAN: Getting back to property. I believe I said a divorce decree I meant that as complaint.
RHOTEN: That’s right.
HUFFMAN: That’s right. The estimated value in that complaint was just a rough estimate and not an appraisal?
KASER: Yes.
HUFFMAN: And I understand thats the vicinity of $10,000 for one piece of property and $20,000 for another piece of property?
KASER: I don’t recall the exact figures, I believe one was $21,000 which is highly valued as uknown. The other perhaps was $10,000, I just don’t recall.
HUFFMAN: Who did Ervin Kaser buy that place from, where your living?
KASER: He bought the land and then built the house later, but I don’t remember who the owners were.
HUFFMAN: Who holds the mortgage on that property?
KASER: Winderoff. Ed Rostie was the man who came to me – I can’t remember if Winderoff’s
HUFFMAN: And where do they live?
KASER: In Salem, but I can’t say where.
HUFFMAN: Do you know how much the mortgage balance is?
KASER: $5,000.
HUFFMAN: $5,000?
KASER: Yes.
HUFFMAN: Is that the only mortgage against the property?
KASER: To my knowledge.
HUFFMAN: Your daughter at the time of your first divorce, how old was she?
KASER: Five I believe.
HUFFMAN: Did you receive any support money from your divorce decree?
KASER: No.
HUFFMAN: Did you ask for any?
KASER: I didn’t ask.
HUFFMAN: Was there some reason you didn’t ask?
RHOTEN: I don’t think that would be material in this investigation.
HUFFMAN: Do you object Mr. Rhoten?
RHOTEN: Yes, I think we’ll leave that out.
HUFFMAN: Can you think of any other questions, Denver?
SHERIFF DENVER YOUNG:
HUFFMAN: Is there any statement that you wish to make right now Mr. Rhoten?
RHOTEN: No, I don’t believe there is anything at the present time I might say that when and if the appraisal is made on the estate why it is a matter of public record and if you would like we would be glad to furnish you a copy. Also the records with respect to the obligations when they are determined will be available to you here if you like.
HUFFMAN: I think that would be kind of nice to have a copy of that don’t you Denver?
YOUNG: For a matter of complete information?
HUFFMAN: Yes.
YOUNG: It might be well if we could get a copy.
HUFFMAN: We could get a copy of that and for the Sheriff’s Office.
RHOTEN: Yes, we don’t know when that wil be of course because we haven’t any idea yet as to what those assets might be. Its all outside of the real property.
HUFFMAN: Mrs. Oveross with permission of your attorney, Mr. Rhoten –
KASER Oveross?
HUFFMAN: Correction! Mrs. Kaser with the permission of your attorney, Mr. Rhoten I would like to ask you were you ever out with Casper Oveross prior to your husbands death?
KASER: No.
HUFFMAN: Or at any other time?
KASER: No.
HUFFMAN: Had you – were you with some other party instrumental to your husbands death?
KASER: No.
HUFFMAN: Did you kill your husband?
KASER: No!
HUFFMAN: Do you know who may have killed your husband?
KASER: No.
HUFFMAN: Do you have any questions, Denver?
YOUNG: No, not right now.
HUFFMAN: This ends the interview with Mrs. Kaser, 2:31 P.M., March 2, 1955. Present were her attorney Mr. Rhoten, Sheriff Denver Young, Sergeant Wayne Huffman.
[signed] Wayne G. Huffman Sgt
State Police Lieutenant Farley E. Mogan: (letter to Norris Ames)
March 2, 1955
Mr. Norris Ames
Greener Apartments
Cathedral City, California
Dear Sir:
On the night of February 17, 1955 Mr. Ervin Kaser was murdered near Silverton by someone who shot him with a high caliber rifle. We are attempting to ascertain the identity of the individiual who committed this crime. We are checking on several firearms that might have been used in this case and one of these is a model 94 Winchester 30-30 rifle which we believe you may have sold to Mr. Casper A. (Cap) Oveross of Silverton in 1946 or 1947. We would greatly appreciate it if you would advise us if you have any recollection or records regarding the sale of this gun to Mr. Oveross.
Very truly yours,
H. G. MAISON, Superintendent
By [signed] Farley E. Mogan
Farley E. Mogan, Lieutenant
Thursday, March 3, 1955
Sheriff’s Deputy Amos O. Shaw:
10:20 AM Check out Gervais Hardware. Sells rifles on order only. Doesn’t recall any sales to Casper Oveross.
10:30 AM Check Scarboroughs Hardware Woodburn. In business 14 yrs. never sold to Casper Oveross.
10:40 AM Check Ahrens Hardware, Woodburn. Books go back to 1950. Never sold to Casper Oveross.
10:50 AM Check with Roy’s gun & Repair Shop, Woodburn. Sold since 1944. Never to Casper Oveross.
11:00 AM Check with J. Nathans Hardware, Woodburn. Since 1930, Never to Casper Oveross.
11:15 AM Check with Guy Graham, Gunsmith, Woodburn. Never sold to Casper Oveross, never done any work on Oveross gun.
11:50 AM Contact Hardware Store in Hubbard, 6 yrs. in bus. Never sold to Casper Oveross.
11:55 AM Contact Mr. Duncan, gun smith at Hubbard, Never done any work for Casper Oveross.
12:15 PM Contact Sma Matheney. Stated that Dunn of State Police had all info. he might have.
Stated he has known Casper only since Cap has been working for him, about 2 or 3 weeks.
Stated he was all for Casper, and would help him out financially, or in any way he could regardless if Casper was guilty or not. However in the next breath says we had to find the guilty person.
Sam asked Cap upon his return to work after the Grand Jury released him, about his alibi, and why he didn’t clear himself. Cap told Sam he wasn’t talking about it to any one, that the police could drag him right back in any time we wanted to.
Sam said he didn’t know if Casper O. had a rifle or not but presumed that he did and that confidentially he had heard that Cap owned a rifle but wouldn’t reveal whom it was that told him.
Stated that Sam’s son Bob Matheney has known Cap for some time and thinks a lot of Cap. That Bob was pretty badly broken up and bitter about the police locking Cap up for the Grand Jury. Stated that he (Sam) didn’t think that Bob Matheney knew if Cap had a gun or not, and stated that if Bob did know he wouldn’t tell us. Wasn’t sure if State Officer Dunn had talked to Bob or not.
3:15 PM Check out William Roberts at Stout Lmbr. Co. Mehama, (prior clerk for Aumsville
4:20 PM Contact Harold Whitley, doesn’t know Casper Oveross.
4:45 PM Contact Frank Pfaff, Mill Town Tavern, Silverton, reg. possibility of Ervin Kaser or Casper Oveross having been in the Tavern night of murder. Stated he knows both well and they never was in the Tavern. Closed at 10:30 PM on 2-17-55.
State Police Private Lloyd T. Riegel:
Deputy Shaw and the writer following assigned leads checked the hardware, sporting goods stores and other places selling guns in the Brooks, Gervais, Woodburn, West Woodburn, Donald, Aurora and Hubbard area. There was no record shown that would indicate that any rifle had been sold to Casper Oveross. Gunsmiths, Ray Dugan of Hubbard and Guy Graham of Woodburn, were also checked. Neither gunsmith has done repair work for Casper Oveross.
Deputy Shaw and the writer then contacted Sam Mathany relative to Casper Oveross’ working at his place on 17 February 1955. Mr. Mathany verified the fact that Casper had worked until noon on 17 February 1955 and that he had left giving the excuse that he needed to go to the bank in the afternoon. Mr. Mathany was quite cooperative, however he had no information of any value. He was also quite forward with the fact that he was willing to assist Casper Oveross in any way if he was picked up again by the officers. Stated that he would be willing to furnish money to hire an attorney even though he was sure that a considerable amount of money from other sources was available. Mr. Mathany stated it made no difference to him whether Casper had shot Ervin Kaser or not, that he was still a friend of Caspers and would remain a friend. Mr. Mathany stated that he did not know whether Casper Oveross had a rifle or not. Stated that he had heard that Casper had a rifle but that he had not actually seen the gun. He was also questioned about his son, R. D. Mathany. Sam Mathany stated that his son did not know too much about Casper Oveross and he was quite sure that it would do us no good to talk to him about Casper Oveross as his son was quite bitter about the fact that Casper had been picked up by the police and that he had refused to talk to his father about the situation. Mr. Mathany stated that when Casper returned to work on Tuesday, 1 March 1955, that he had tried to talk to Cap some about the situation. Cap had replied that he had been instructed by his attorney Bruce Williams that he could be picked up again at any time by the officers and that he should not say anything about what had taken place previously or what he had been told by Bruce Williams or what he had told Bruce Williams and to make no comments to anyone relative to anything in connection with the shooting of Ervin Kaser. Mr. Mathany stated with that he had given up attempting to talk to Casper Oveross.
The writer and Deputy Shaw then contacted Mrs. W. J. Haverly, Rt. 3, Box 87, Silverton. Mrs. Haverly stated that she was a very good friend of Cap Oveross and that she felt he had done the community a great favor by shooting Ervin Kaser. She did not say directly but more or less implied that if she had any information that she would not be willing to give it if it would be on injurious nature to Cap Oveross. She further stated that she did not know anything about Cap’s guns and that she had never seen a gun. She stated that Casper had worked for her considerable painting the house, painting various buildings and doing carpenter work. That he at one time stated that he was having some family trouble and that Ervin Kaser was the cause of it. Mrs. Haverly stated that Cap at that time had told her that he was sueing for divorce and that he would like to receive custody of the children as he did not want Ervin Kaser to raise his children that he felt Ervin Kaser would take advantage of the young girls as soon as they were large enough.
The writer contacted William Roberts, owner of the Aumsville Hardware since 1947. Mr. Roberts stated that it was very doubtful that Cap Oveross had ever purchased a gun in his store. He further stated that he did not handle guns until 1950 and that the first gun they received in 1950, just at hunting season time, he had himself taken. They had received very few guns in 1951 of which were sold to his friends and people in the Aumsville area. Stated that he did not have an actual record of where the guns were sold but he is quite sure that all guns sold were sold to friends or people that he knew.
A Mr. Harold Whitley, reportedly to have worked with Casper Oveross in the Stayton area as an apprentice carpenter, was contacted relative to any knowledge he may have of Casper Oveross. Mr. Whitley stated that he did not Casper Oveross and he had not worked with him. He stated that he was an apprentice carpenter, that he had done some work in the Silverton, however, it had been with large contstruction company and that he was sure that Casper Oveross had not been a member of the crew. Mr. Whitley further stated that he is now working with his brother in the upholstery business in Stayton and that he does not remember Cap Oveross ever coming to their place of business.
Sheriff Young and Sergeant Huffman requested Deputy Shaw and the writer to contact the tavern in Mill Town, Silverton, Oregon. This tavern known as Frank and Mauds Tavern on Lincoln Street was contacted by Deputy Shaw and the writer. Frank Pfaff, the owner and bartender, was contacted relative to Casper Oveross having been in his place of business on 17 February 1955. Mr. Pfaff stated that he was quite well acquainted with Casper Oveross and that he is sure that he would have noticed Casper if he was in his place on 17 February 1955. He further stated that he had not seen Casper for over four months. He was questioned relative to Ervin Kaser having been in his place of business. Mr. Pfaff stated that he knew Ervin Kaser quite well and to the best of his knowledge Ervin Kaser had never been in his place of business and that he was definitely not in his place on 17 February 1955.
Sheriff Denver Young:
Highway fuel, contact Don Davis re rumor of Ervin having an affair with a woman in Madras Ore. States that it was only hearsay.
11:00 AM. Contacted Mrs. Ida Brady at J.C. Penny store in Salem. She was raised in Silverton. Went to Evergreen school. She had heard that Ervin Kaser had written a letter to Myrtle Schar so had written a letter to Mrs. Harvey Kaser about it. Doesn’t know when it was written.
1:00 P.M. Contacted Ethel Oveross re: incident where Casper was supposed to have run her off the road. States that in October or November Casper followed her towards Salem and at Pratum he forced her to stop and that he tried to tear the wires out of her car. She was able to drive off and leave him but he followed her for a while before he left.
5:25 P.M. Silverton. Contacted C.G. Grainger taxi driver for address of Chas. Bordie. States he works for Pacific Handle Co. 200 Center St. Silverton.
5:30 P.M. Marshall Wells store for locate on Chas. Hopkins.
5:40 P.M. Contact res. Of Chas. Borte. 200 Center St. Silverton.
States he saw Casper at LeGards service station bet. 8:30 & 9:00 P.M. Did not see inside of car.
Oregon State Police Sergeant Wayne G. Huffman:
Sheriff Young and writer contacted Mrs. Ethel Oveross on 3 March 1955 and additional information was obtained to the effect that Casper Oveross had sold a 32-20 rifle to a Noah Wenger, Silverton, Oregon, just a few weeks or a couple of months before he purchased his new 30-30 rifle. She also stated Ervin Kaser had remarked that night when they were together, if he hadn’t received a phone call that night he would have been in Madras, Oregon. She stated he implied the phone call came from Madras but he did not state what the phone call was about. She stated she never inquired as to what it might have been. There was nothing additional that she could add.
Sheriff Young and writer on 3 Mar 55 contacted ETHEL OVEROSS again for any additional information she might have, but met with no new information. She did state she heard another car that night on 17 Feb 55, go by the house but it appeared to be driving slow, this was just shortly before she heard her sister’s pickup go by. She stated she couldn’t tell if it was CAP’S car or not. She stated she has heard CAP’S car come into the driveway considerable times and she could recognize it by the sound, but she couldn’t be sure if it was the car she heard go by on the night of Feb 17, 1955. She did stated that she and ERVIN KASER had talked over the threats that CAP had made, at least the ones she heard about and they were always careful when they were out together so as not to be seen. She stated if they thought a car was following them that ERVIN would always speed up or let the car pass to see if it was CAP. Also sometimes they would drive in a round-about way on back roads if they thought anyone was following them. She stated that night of the 17th when she was with ERVIN that he mentioned if he hadn’t received a telephone call he would have gone to MADRAS, OREGON that night. She stated he implied the call was from there.
She also stated that a few weeks or possibly 2 months before CAP bought his 30-30 rifle that he had a 32-20 rifle and had left it at the Marshal-Wells store in Silverton for the manager to sell for him. She stated it wasn’t sold so he brought it home and had both guns there at the house for about 2 weeks or a month and then he sold the 32-20 to a NOEL WANER (phonetic) [EK_note: Noah Wenger] and kept the 30-30 rifle. She stated she believed the gun to be a new gun when he brought it home and she doesn’t remember if it was in a box or not. She stated her daughter, Coleen, and she had talked about the shooting and her daughter, Coleen, and she had talked about the shooting and her daughter believed her father hadn’t shot ERVIN. She stated there was a strained relationship between she and her daughter since the shooting and there has been arguments, but only over the fact that it was her fault that ERVIN was shot and CAP suspected. She stated if at anytime there is anything she remembers concerning the rifle or other information she may get that she will either contact Sheriff Young or writer.
Contacted a Charles Borte, 201 Center St, Silverton, Oregon, who stated he has known CASPER OVEROSS for several years and that on the night of 17 Feb 55, he saw CAP at LEGARDS Union Service State, sometime between 8:30 and 9:00 PM. He stated CAP pulled into the service station in his car and up to the gasoline pumps and they had a new Hydraulic jack there, so to see how it worked they jacked up the front end of CAP’S car. He stated CAP got out of the car and he didn’t appear to be drinking, although he didn’t get close enough to smell anything. He stated he didn’t look in the car for any rifles and that CAP was supposed to have bought some gas after he (Borte) had left. He stated he remembered the time as he had to be at Frank’s store before it closed that night. He stated there was nothing he heard in the way of remarks made by CAP. He stated he didn’t know what kind of gun CAP owned.
The Salem City Police Department, Detective Division, checked all pawn shops and second hand stores for possible sale of gun to CASPER OVEROSS and all other relatives listed in writer’s report as of 1 March 55. They reported negative results.
U of O Med School, Crime Detection Laboratory, Ralph W. Prouty:
On February 18, 1955 the writer examined a 1949 Plymouth sedan, Oregon license 569-497 at the Kaser residence located on Route 3, Box 115-W, Silverton, Oregon. At 5:35 A.M., the writer removed a fired rifle bullet from the front seat of this vehicle. This item is listed as Item E-1. Examination of this item reveals that it is of 30 caliber, and was fired from a weapon having six lands and grooves of right-hand twist. The entire core has been expelled from this item, and only the jacket portion remains. This bullet is too badly distorted to be able to ascertain the pitch of the rifling. The construction of the jacket is compared with known standards in the laboratory, and found to be similar to a Remington Core-lokt bullet. The rifling details are compared with Item E-2, and are found to be grossly and microscopically similar.
At 7:15 A.M, February 18, 1955 there was received from D. Home H. Harris the following item which was removed from the body of Ervin Oren Kaser at the time of autopsy:
Item E-2 is a 30 caliber bullet with six lands and grooves of right-hand twist. Examination of this item reveals that the core has been expelled from the outer casing. Comparison of the remaining jacket portion with known laboratory standards reveals that it has a construction similar to Remington Core-lokt type bullet. The bore details are compared with Items 1, and it is noted that it is similar. This bullet is badly distorted, and it is impossible to ascertain the rate of twist. The mutilation of the rifling microscopic details makes it impossible at this time to definitely associate it with any particular bore. However, the class characteristics of lands and grooves in their width, number, and direction of twist is similar to that of the Model 94 Winchester, Item 4.
Item E-3 is a number of envelopes containing fragments removed from the body of Ervin Oren Kaser. These are studied, and it is observed that they are composed of numerous lead and copper particles similar to the construction of a high powered rifle bullet. Further examination is being made of these particles to determine more accurately the type of ammunition from which they came.
At 10:30 A.M., February 24, 1955 there is received from Officer Riegal, Oregon State Police and Deputy Shaw, Marion County Sheriff’s office, the following items of evidence.
Item E-4 is a 30-30 caliber Winchester model 94 rifle, serial #118533. Examination of this item reveals it has a sheriff’s office official evidence tag dated February 22, 1955 “Homicide of E. O. Kaser, property of Wayne Moore. Picked up by Hoffman and Young, serial #118533, 30-30 rifle, to be used for ballistics comparison. D.Y.” Examination of this item reveals that it is marked on the forearm with the initial “D” and the date 2-22-55. The bore of this weapon is examined, and it is noted that near the muzzle is a small patch of bright rust. A patch is forced through the bore, and it is noted that it has a black, greasy residue adhering to it indicating that this weapon has been fired since it was last thoroughly cleaned. Examination of the magazine reveals that it contains six loaded 30-30 caliber cartridges. These are listed as “4-A, 4-B, 4-C, 4-D, 4-E, and 4-F” in the order in which they were removed from the magazine. Examination of Items 4-A, B, C, and D reveals that they are Western Super-X 30-30 Winchester cartridges loaded with a 150 grain silver-tip bullet. Examination of the markings on these cartridges reveals that all four have been worked through the chamber of Item E-4 once, and have been placed in the magazine two times as evidenced by the characteristic magazine marks of Item 4. Item 4-E is a Remington 30-30 cartridge of 170 grain soft point Core-Lokt type cartridge which, upon examination, reveals that it has been worked through the action of the Model 94 Winchester, and placed in the magazine many times. Item 4-F is a Remington 30-30 cartridge of 170 grain soft point Core-Lokt type cartridge which, upon examination reveals that it has not been worked through the mechanism of the Model 94 Winchester, and has been placed in the magazine only one time.
Item E-5 is a Savage 30-30 caliber rifle, Model 340 with no serial number. This weapon is a bolt-action, clip-type rifle. It bears the tag “Seized from Virgil Huddleston, Rt. 3-B 123 A, Silverton Date seized 18 February, 1955. County in which seized, Marion; seized by Sheriff Young to be compared with slug removed from body of Ervin Kaser by Dr. Harris.” Examination of the bore reveals black, greasy residue indicating that this weapon has been fired since it was last thoroughly cleaned. The bore details consist of six lands and grooves of right hand twist. Test fires are made, using this item and compared with Item E-2 and Item E-3, and it is found that the land impressions are more narrow than in the evidence bullets, indicating that this weapon could not have been used to fire Items E-1 and E-2. No further examinations are made of this item.
Item E-6 is a Marlin 30-30 caliber carbine, Model 336-RC, serial number J 4465 which bears a tag with the notation “Seized from J. W. Gillham, Route 5, Box 417, Salem, Oregon. Seized Feb. 21, 1955.” Examination of the bore of this weapon reveals that it has four lands and grooves clearly indicating that it could not have fired Items E1 and E-2. No other examinations are made.
Item E-7 is small box with the notation “To State Crime Laboratory. Contents two rifle cartidges Remington 30-30 caliber Core-Lokt removed from the cabin of Kasper Oveross 2-18-55, one empty shell case 30-30 Remington removed from shirt pocket of Kasper Oveross 2-189-55 to be used in checking in case of homicide of Ervin Kaser 2-17-55. D. Young, Sheriff Marion County, Oregon. All cases marked ‘D’”. Examination of the contents of this item reveals there are three loaded cartridges rather than two, two of which are Remington 30-30 caliber Core-Lokt type bullets, and one Remington 30-30 cartridge loaded with a plain lead hollow-point bullet. There is a fired Remington 30-30 cartridge contained in this box. It was reportedly removed from the shirt pocket of Kasper Oveross. This item was reportedly fired in the 30-30 Savage, Item E-5. The microscopic details of the firing pin impression and breach block markings are compared with the test-fires prepared in Item E-5, and found to be similar. Examination of the two Remington Core-Lokt type cartridges reveals that one of them has been worked through the chamber of the Model 94 Winchester, Item E-4. The cartridge case of the other Remington 30-30 cartiridge appears to have no markings that it has been placed in any type of firearm. The plain lead 30-30 Remington cartridge is examined, and no microscopic details are noted on the rim. This has the appearance of having been polished smooth as one may expect from a cartridge which has been carried in a pocket for a considerable length of time. Nothing else remarkable is noted about it.
SUMMARY: In our opinion,
1. Item E-1 and Item E-2 were fired from the bore of the same weapon, and may possibly have been fired in Item e-4, the 30-30 caliber Winchester Model 94. Additional studies are being made of these items to determine if a positive identification or elimination can be made.
2. The bullet fragments of Item C-3 are being studied to determine if it is possible to identify them as parts of any particular type of bullet.
3. The fired 30-30 caliber cartridge removed from Item E-7 was fired in the chamber of the 30-30 Savage, Item E-5. One of the loaded Remington 30-30 cartridges reportedly removed from the cabin of Kasper Oveross has been chambered in the Model 94 Winchester, Item E-4.
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And that’s enough for this week, I think.
Blogically yours,
Everett