A Convict’s Violent Outburst in Whatcom Court
A notorious criminal threatens a judge with violence before being transported to the state penitentiary in Walla Walla.
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When D. Williams, a notorious criminal of Whatcom, is safe behind the bars at the state penitentiary, Judge Neterer, who sentenced him to two and a quarter years in prison for forgery, will feel relieved and safe—at least until the convict's term expires. When the judge pronounced sentence on Williams Monday afternoon in Whatcom, the man became ferocious and threatened to 'do up' the judge and prosecuting attorney. Muttering curses and looking like a wild man, he hunted around for some object to hurl at the judge and continued his imprecations until he was led to his cell to get ready for the trip to Walla Walla. Had there been anything at hand, it would have been hard to avert a tragedy. At the same time, Judge Neterer sentenced Ole Wheeler to five years in the prison on the same charge. Wheeler took his medicine with better grace and smiled when he was led away. Both men are expected to arrive at the penitentiary some time this week.
“Muttering curses and looking like a wild man, he hunted around for some object to hurl at the judge.”
This scene offers a glimpse into the early 20th-century experience of the Washington State Penitentiary, which remains a central institution in Walla Walla. While modern courtroom security has evolved significantly, the visceral frustration of defendants facing long mandatory sentencing remains a resonant theme in today's criminal justice discourse.
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