Judge Stack Sentences Michael and Trott to Hard Labor for Drunk Driving Which Killed Evelyn Rowe Feb. 9, 1929

Michael and Trott Draw Sentence for Girl’s Death. . . Judge Stack Seems Determined to Break Up Automobile Driving by Drunken Pilots

Newton, April 11—Judge A.M. Stack this afternoon sentenced Robert Michael and Wilfong Trott each to a term of not less than 10 and not more than 15 years in the state penitentiary at hard labor. These young men were convicted during the present term of Catawba Court for murder in the second degree for the killing in an automobile collision of Miss Evelyn Rowe, on the evening of February 9th. Notice of appeal by both defendants was given in open court. Appeal bond was fixed at $100 and appearance bond at$20,000 for each defendant.

In passing sentence Judge Stack said he had purposely postponed sentencing the young men, under the hope that the officers could apprehend the men who sold the liquor, as they are the men most responsible for the death of the young lady. While he had sincere sympathy for young Trott and Michael, he had the protection of society and the majesty of the law committed to his charge by his oath of office. “This verdict is to give notice that the people and court of North Carolina are determined that the public highways must be made safe against drunken automobile drivers,” he stated.

Bonds for Trott were promptly made, and he was on the streets a few minutes after the adjournment of court. The bonds for Michael have not yet been made.

From the front page of The Concord Times, Monday, April 13, 1925

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn91068271/1925-04-13/ed-1/seq-1/#words=APRIL+13%2C+1925