DEATH SENTENCE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 168, 18 July 1942, Page 5

DEATH SENTENCE

LEONSKI GUILTY

Concluding Evidence In U.S.

Court Martial

United Press Association.—Copvright. Rec. 10 a.m. MELBOURNE, this day.

Edward Leonski, the American soldier charged with the murder of three women, has been sentenced to death.

Counsel for the defence, in his closing address, contended that each murder showed the actions of a man with a disordered mind, incapable of reason, plan or malice aforethought. In no case had there been definite identification of Leonski with the crimes.

The Judge Advocate, in reply, said he was conscious of his full responsibility when he said Leonski, by three fiendish, atrocious crimes, had demonstrated himself a person unfit to live or continue to live. He was a constant threat to. the lives of others and a terrible "example to those who might be inclined to follow his unfortunate path. The addresses concluded at 6 p.m., and after an adjournment of 20 minutes the Court was reopened. The President asked whether there were any court-martial convictions again defendant. On being informed negatively the Court again closed, reopening 30 minutes later when the President announced that by a secret written ballot, three-quarters of the members concurring, Leonski was found guilty on three charges, and. with all the members concur ring, they sentenced him to be "hung until he is dead." Leonski displayed no emotion when the sentence was announced and walked from the room amid a strong escort. Addiction to Liouor Earlier evidence had been given that the accused was "a pretty good soldier when he first joined the I nited States Army, but became an increasingly poor one as he resorted more and more to the use of liquor." Witnesses told how Leonski drank concoctions composed of whisky, beer, ketchup, ice cream and hot peppers in various combinations how he could absorb a lot" of beer! and that he neyer seemed to know what had happened when he was drunk.

On one occasion Leonski said: Keep me in the guard house a; long as possible. That is the only way I can keep out of trouble."