Magnuson John01

Waupaca Record-Leader

April 5, 1923

MAGNUSON IS FOUND GUILT FIRST DEGREE

FOUR WOMEN ON JURY VOTE GUILTY ON FIRST BALLOT

DECLARES HIS INNOCENCE TO THE LAST

John Magnuson, charged with the mailing of the “Yule bomb” which killed Mrs. Clementine Chapman and seriously maimed her husband, James R. Chapman, chairman of the Wood county board of supervisors, Dec. 27, last, was found guilty by a jury in circuit court at Wisconsin Rapids, after being deadlocked for over eighteen hours.

Demands Poll

Immediately after hearing the verdict of the jury, defense Attorney C. Briere jumped to his feet, demanding a poll of the jury.

This was done, each jurist declaring Magnuson guilty in his opinion or her opinion.

“Oh, my God,” Magnuson cried, “It’s a mistake. I didn’t do it. I didn’t do it. I am innocent.”

Both Attorney Briere and Under-sheriff Cliff Bluett, who, with Judge Park were the only ones near the defendant, were forced to restrain Magnuson, as he threw himself on the table, screaming his innocence.

New Trial Rumor

Judge Byron B. Park, who presided over the trial which required almost two weeks in his instructions to the jury Friday afternoon declared that only two verdicts were possible – acquittal or murder in the first degree.

Later Judge Park sentenced Magnuson to life imprisonment in Waupun.

Family of Convict

Magnuson is married and has two children, Edward, 16, and Ethel, 17. He was born in Sweden, and served as a member of the British army in Africa, coming to America several years later on a mule boat.