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Vngo County Prosecuting Attorney Ralph Berry met with State Fire Marshal Bernard Sweeney and other investigators Thursday and refused to issue a warrant for an arrest in connection with a fire that destroyed a large portion of Terre Haute’s downtown business district March 20. Sweeney announced Wednesday night that he would seek a warrant for the arrest of a person he believes started the $3 mil lion blaze. Berry greeted Sweeney with the question,“ “Where’s your evidencce?” Sweeney handed him a file and said, “It’s all in there.” Berry read the file through, taking some five or ten minutes during which not a word was spoken. When he had finished reading the file, Berry carefully laid it on is desk. He then raised his hand and smashed it down on the folder as he roared, “I asked you for a file of evidence. You haven't got a thing here!” Must Have Evidence. As tempers briefly flared, Berry told Sweeny, “We don’t arrest people in this county without evidence. I’m going to think a man is guilty before I have him arrested.” “You haven’t even proved to me the fire was of incendiary origin,” Berry continued. Sweeney and another investi gator then showed Berry a series of photographs taken in the Campus Bowl following the fire and wood from the alleys in the building which they sub mitted as evidence. Berry said he would study the fire and other evidence presented him further, but said he would take no action in the matter until he has additional proof. Berry pointed out that he felt there was no evidence in volved that would stand up in court and that unless he were convinced of guilt no arrest would be made. He pointed out that if a man were arrested and even though found not guilty, he would never be able to clear his name with the public. Sweeney Claims Evidence Sweeney told Berry he was convinced he has adequate evi dence and stated that he has Continued On Page 10, Col. 6.
Newspaper Details
Terre Haute Tribune
Terre Haute, Indiana, US
Thu, May 16, 1963
Page 1
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
USA 15 Jul 2026
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