Atlanta’s Donehoo Led Phagan Inquest, 1913; Frank’s Jury Case Began

Atlanta’s Donehoo Led Phagan Inquest, 1913; Frank’s Jury Case Began narrates the coroner’s inquest into Mary Phagan’s death, held April 30 to May 8, 1913, after her April 26 murder at the National Pencil Company. Coroner Paul Donehoo, a savant despite blindness, guided a six-man jury and sworn witnesses with his photographic memory. Leo Frank testified twice—May 5 and 8—on his movements, while Newt Lee described the body’s discovery. Lemmie Quinn’s perjured shift to a 12:20 p.m. Frank sighting, Dr. J. W. Hurt’s strangulation finding, and Pinkerton detective Harry Scott’s May 9 agency contact report added depth. The jury concluded willful strangulation, recommending Frank and Lee’s detention on suspicion, not guilt, prompting further inquiry. This led to a May 24 grand jury indictment, 21-0 with a 12-vote need, including Jewish members. Donehoo’s intellect shaped a trial resonant with justice and bias in 1913 Atlanta.