Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Item
Title
D9437-5
Date(s)
- 1940-02-24 (Creation)
Extent
Name of creator
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
Torch murder case. Pierce County Undersheriff Clyde Knowles at desk with fire-damaged gun and other evidence associated with the murder of Hale R. Nosler, 56, Lakewood area, near McChord on February 23, 1940. City fireman John B. Ord, 42, was jailed in connection with the shooting and burning of Hale R. Nosler, new bridegroom, and the injuring of Myra Nosler, Mr. Ord's former "common law wife," plus the battering of neighbor Henry King Pomeroy who had come to their rescue. Mr. Nosler's body was burned to ashes along with his house. Mr. Ord signed a confession only days later admitting the killing of Mr. Nosler but not the body burning. He claimed to have shot Mrs. Nosler, age 40, by accident. Mrs. Nosler died on March 3, 1940, from stomach wounds; a second charge of first degree murder was added on March 12, 1940. Mr. Ord was sentenced to life for the two murders in June, 1940; however, the state parole board set his minimum sentence at 15 years, expecting him to be freed in 1955 when he would be approximately 57. (T. Times, 2-24-40, p. 1, 2-26-40, p. 1, 3-4-40, p. 1, 3-12-40, p. 1, T.Times 11-26-40, p. 1)
Ord, John B.--Associated objects; Handguns; Homicides; Knowles, Clyde; Pierce County Sheriffs (Tacoma);