Saturday, May 3rd, 1913, Could Blood Evidence Hold the Key to the Phagan Case?

Three young women who previously worked at the National Pencil Factory are set to appear as key witnesses before the Coroner's jury in the Phagan case this coming Monday.

Meanwhile, Dr. Claude Smith, the city's bacteriologist, has been asked by police to conduct a chemical analysis of bloodstains found on a shirt recovered from the backyard of Lee's residence. The garment was handed over by Detective Rosser, and investigators hope scientific testing will reveal whether it was planted as false evidence. Dr. Smith indicated the analysis would not be completed until sometime next week.

Solicitor Dorsey and Chief of Detectives Lanford spent two hours in a closed door meeting today, though neither man made any public statement when it concluded.

$1,000 Investigation Fund Rumored

There are reports that efforts are underway to have the county set aside $1,000 to fund a private investigation into the case.

The inquest is set to resume at 2 o'clock. Leo M. Frank has not yet testified before the Coroner's jury and is expected to do so on Monday. The night watchman, Lee, may also face additional questioning at that time. Police and detectives remain actively engaged in the investigation, though no significant new evidence has been reported.

Awaiting the Coroner's Verdict

Once the Coroner's jury delivers its verdict, the case will automatically be referred to the Grand Jury. Solicitor Dorsey and the Grand Jury will not formally take up the matter until the coroner's inquiry is complete.

Police have moved to shut down a wave of unfounded rumors circulating about the case, firmly stating that no confessions have been made by anyone involved. This directly contradicts reports claiming Lee confessed and implicated Frank, claims authorities say are entirely false.

As for the victim, officials say there are no plans to exhume her body. County Physician Hurt has stated that no further examination is needed, and the existing evidence on that matter is considered clear and conclusive.

Visitors Barred from the Tower

Neither Frank nor Lee is permitted to receive visitors, though their legal counsel has been granted full access to meet with them at the Tower.

A number of factory employees have been subpoenaed to testify before the Coroner's jury, though their testimony is not expected to carry significant weight in the proceedings.

The release of Arthur Mullinax and J. M. Gantt suggests detectives have moved away from the theory that Mary Phagan left the factory after collecting her pay that Saturday. Investigators now believe she never returned to the streets after entering the building.

Grand Jury Referral Likely

Without anticipating the Coroner's jury's decision, it appears probable that both Frank and Lee will be referred to the Grand Jury, where all testimony and evidence will be carefully reviewed under the oversight of Solicitor General Hugh Dorsey.

Frank's legal team continues to maintain one consistent position, that their client has repeatedly