Stephenson and Aids Indicted in Arson Plot

From The Indianapolis Times, Monday, October 5, 1925:  D. C. Stephenson, Earl Gentry, and Earl Klinck, whose trial for the alleged murder of Madge Oberholtzer is to begin next Monday at Noblesville, have been indicted together with Fred Butler by a Marion County grand jury for arson in conspiring to burn Stephenson’s Irvington home, 5432 University Av, last April 17.  Allegedly the conspirators “willfully and maliciously set fire” to Stephenson’s house valued at $20,000 (2024:  $365,314), insured by the Great American Insurance Co, resulting in damage of $3,500 (2024:  $63,930).  A neighbor, Helene Hibben, heard a loud explosion at 1 a.m. and called the fire department.  A six-gallon can of gasoline exploded in the dining room, shooting flames throughout the main floor; several other gasoline containers were found scattered around the house and gas jets on the stove turned on

“Stephenson and Aids Indicted in Arson Plot,” The Indianapolis Times, 5 October 1925, p. 1:7