Hale (second from left) and Ramsey (third from left) with two
U.S. marshals Credit 58On July 29, as testimony was set to begin, throngs of spectators
arrived early in order to get a seat. The temperature outside was
ninety degrees, and it was hard to breathe in the courtroom. John
Leahy, the prosecutor, rose to give his opening statement.
“Gentlemen of the jury,” he said. “William K. Hale is charged with
aiding and abetting to the killing of Henry Roan, while John
Ramsey is charged with the killing.” Leahy outlined the alleged
facts of the insurance murder plot in a matter-of-fact voice. One
observer noted that “the veteran of legal battles does not go in for
fireworks or courtroom histrionics but he makes his points all the
stronger for his quiet reserve.” Looking on, Hale smiled ever so
slightly, while Ramsey leaned back in his chair, fanning himself in
the heat, a toothpick between his teeth.