Regarding “History of death penalty in county” (April 28, Page 1), I’ve been researching murder cases in Butler County for several years and would like to make a few corrections.

The article states that “Harris Bell in 1848 was hanged after being convicted of rape and murder, though few other details were recorded.” No details were ever recorded because Harris Bell was hanged on Sept. 29, 1848, in Honesdale, Wayne County — not Butler County. He was convicted of the rape and murder of Eliza Williams, wife of the Rev. Gersham Williams.

Several older death penalty cases were omitted. In 1853, Caspar Lampartner kills Constable Samuel Ferguson in Butler County. He’s convicted of first degree murder but escapes before his execution and is never found. Zachery Taylor Hockenberry received the death penalty for killing Nancy Ann McCandless in 1868. He’s hanged in 1869, not 1896.

Also in 1868, Philpena Shugart is convicted of first degree murder for killing Marion Leon. Before he can be executed he commits suicide in jail.

One more death penalty case was omitted. In 1984, Ronald and Raymond Williams killed their step-brother Archie Bradley. Both were convicted of first degree murder in 1985 but ended up having their sentences reduced to life by the state Supreme Court, Raymond in 1987 and Ronald in 1989.