CAPITAL  CRIMES  IN  1952

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There were two capital crimes in Luzerne County in 1952.  William Claherty, 32, of West Market street, died 
February 13 of a skull fracture and hemorrhage inflicted by his wife, Florence, when she hit him on the head 
the night before with a partly filled jug of fruit juice during an altercation.  She was indicted for 
manslaughter on March 5,  was found insane and of criminal tendency by a court-appointed commission and was 
committed to Retreat State Hospital.  The charge was dropped April 24 to make Mrs. Claherty eligible for 
mental treatment at a Veterans Administration facility.

Jonah L. Roberts, 46, Edwardsville machinist, was indicted for the murder of his wife, Mary, on the night of 
June 10.  Roberts told police two hitchhikers picked up by the couple during a ride through Scranton, shot 
his wife and wounded him in the left shoulder.  Body of Mrs. Roberts was found in her husband’s car at Bear 
Creek.  Roberts was sprawled through the front door on the driver’s side partly on the ground.  His trial was 
continued until February, 1953, Criminal Court sessions. 

Typed by Janice Walker,  May 2004