Stranger in the Window

In the City of Kansas City, Missouri, a young and promising woman named Leila Adele Welsh was tragically taken from this world in the early morning hours of March 9, 1941. As she returned home from a date attending the Police Circus and a visit to Hotel Phillips, her life was brutally cut short between the hours of 1:00 and 5:00 a.m. at the tender age of 24. Leila, a beloved teacher and friend, she had a heart of gold. Leila touched the lives of many with her kindness. Little did she know that her last good night would be shrouded in darkness and mystery.

Ultimately, her brother was arrested, tried, and acquitted. From 1941 to 1943, this story hit the national media. Chief Lear B. Reed was hired in 1939 to clean up corruption in Kansas City and he steered the investigation of this homicide.

Some wondered if the investigation was botched from the start. There are 78 players associated with this case including witnesses, attorneys, judges, neighbors, and family members.

In Kansas City, the Supreme Court handed down its judgment on Thomas J. Pendergast and his associates in a case that was heard in the Western District of Missouri (federal court). Pendergast was described as a political boss with dictatorial powers. Kansas City wasn't the only city that experienced such bosses.

To understand the era, you have to dive into 1941. Worldly news dominated of the war in Europe. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the GI Bill of Rights. The pleas for arms by Winston Churchill of England were delivered and toward the end of the year, Hitler took complete command over the German Army. Prior to the United States' declaration of war, however, life was happening in the states. Under the artful direction of Orson Welles, Citizen Kane was released, as well as the popular children's animated presentation of Dumbo. Movie drive-ins became popular and music composer, Glenn Miller, recorded Chattanooga Choo Choo. The Academy Awards copyrighted the Oscar statuette and NBC Channel 3 started broadcasting out of Philadelphia. From the sports scene, the PGA established the Golf Hall of Fame, Joe DiMaggio was on a hitting streak, tennis player, Bobby Riggs, turned pro, and the Chicago Bears won the NFL Championship.

It was a time in history when new houses could be purchased for under $5,000 and the cost of gasoline was around 12 cents a gallon. The average annual income was $1,750 and the typical cost for a new car was $850. Televisions were on the market.

Life was good for Leila Welsh too, until it wasn't. This book will take you through researched facts, the preliminary hearing, and the criminal trial.