The Last Public Execution in America

by Perry T. Ryan

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CHAPTER 12

THE RETURN TO OWENSBORO

Because Bethea had been transported to Louisville for safekeeping and to prevent mob violence, Judge Wilson entered another order, in which the Sheriff was commanded to return Bethea to Owensboro for trial. The order required the sheriff of Daviess County to return Bethea to Owensboro for trial no later than 9:00 a.m. on June 25, 1936.

The order was executed by Albert C. Reisz, Deputy Sheriff, who drove a car to Louisville, where he picked up Bethea, and returned to Owensboro with him for the trial. Three days after the indictment was returned, the minimum amount of time permitted by law, the trial began.