Stivers, Lexington Herald, August 10, 1932

Spectators in Clay Circuit Court Are Searched for Weapons

MANCHESTER, Ky., Aug. 9 – Twenty five Kentucky national guardsmen kept vigil today as the first of a group of trials growing out of factional differences in Clay county opened in circuit court here. The troops were requested by Special Judge Henry R. Prewitt, of Mt. Sterling, as a precautionary measure against any outbreak of feeling.

Although the courthouse was crowded to capacity, there was no disorder. The guardsmen searched all spectators.

Little progress was made at to-day’s session. After it was decided to try Hugh Hornsby, 36, first, authorities went to Lexington to bring him here and court was recessed until Wednesday. Hornsby had been in Lexington since being indicted for the killing of Alfred Neal, negro. Indicted with him in the same case are Wiley Baker, 62, and George W. Baker, 38.

Four others indicted in the connection with the slaying of Police Judge C. P. Stivers last April 16 also are to be tried at the special term of court. They are Mrs. George Roark, 35, of Richmond; John Baker, 30; Oakley Baker and John Quinn, attorney. Judge Stivers was shot by men in an automobile as he walked along a street near the site of the Neal killing in February. He had been a grand jury witness in the Neal case.