Paul Donehoo Guided 1913 Phagan Inquest, Atlanta; Frank Held for Jury narrates the inquest into Mary Phagan’s death, conducted April 30 to May 8, 1913, after her April 26 murder at the National Pencil Company. Coroner Paul Donehoo, blind yet a savant with a photographic memory, led a six-man jury and sworn witnesses. Leo Frank testified on May 5 and 8 about his day, while Newt Lee described finding Phagan’s body. Lemmie Quinn’s altered testimony—from an alibi to a 12:20 p.m. Frank sighting—and Dr. J. W. Hurt’s strangulation evidence, with Pinkerton detective Harry Scott’s May 9 agency contact report, shaped the case. The jury found willful strangulation, recommending Frank and Lee’s detention on suspicion, not charges, triggering further probes. This resulted in a May 24 grand jury indictment, 21-0 despite a 12-vote requirement, with Jewish jurors involved. Donehoo’s leadership framed a trial echoing justice and prejudice in 1913.
