Tuesday, May 6, 1913: Associated Press Account of Paul Bowen's Arrest

Houston Arrest Linked to Atlanta Murder

Tuesday, May 6, 1913
(Page 1, Column 5)

A man calling himself Paul P. Bowen faced arrest in Houston last night after a female boarder at his hotel shared her suspicions with police. Authorities hold him on suspicion based on telegrams from Atlanta, Georgia, police stating he may connect to the murder of Mary Phagan in that city.

Police searched Bowen's trunk and discovered a woman's blood stained vest, copies of Atlanta newspapers, and photographs they identified as the murdered girl, Mary Phagan. They also found a packet of letters now under examination.

The informant, Mrs. A. Blanchette, resides locally with no prior acquaintance with Bowen, according to police.

Bowen checked into the hotel Sunday, taking a room next to Mrs. Blanchette's. She reported hearing a man sobbing next door. By standing on a chair, she peered through the transom and saw Bowen opening his trunk. His behavior alarmed her enough to alert authorities.

Chief of Police Davison and officers questioned Bowen intensely that morning but allowed no one else access and shared little information.

Letters Signed "Mary"

Police later announced they would detain Bowen and his trunk contents until Atlanta officers arrive. Many letters carry Atlanta dates, with some signed "Mary" or initials "M. P." Others reveal business ties to Atlanta firms.

Bowen claims to be twenty two years old and appears well educated. Up to noon, he refused to discuss his arrest.

Mrs. Blanchette overheard Bowen muttering to himself, "Why did I do it? If I could just live it over again I would not do it."

Acting on her tip, police learned Bowen had moved to an apartment house late yesterday afternoon. Between midnight and 1 AM, officers entered his room. They found him gripping an open knife, which they confiscated, then began inspecting his trunk. Bowen reportedly said, "If I had my six shooter with me, you would not touch that trunk unless you did it over my dead body."

Vigorous Denial

That afternoon, Bowen described himself as a bookkeeper and stenographer who worked for the Morrow Transfer Company in Atlanta, giving his home address as 108 Ivy Street there. He admitted employment in Georgia, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas but declined to specify his trade.

He denies any knowledge of the pencil factory, its employees, or Mary Phagan. His trunk held dozens of photos of young women, alone and in groups, plus letters from several.

Bowen refused to address the bloody vest, papers, letters, or photographs, staying silent on direct questions.