from the Lowell Tribune, Aug. 22, 1935, page 1
Also found in the Clipping Files at Lowell Public Library--LH--"Crime and Criminals"
LIFELESS BODIES OF POPULAR COUPLE FOUND EARLY SUNDAY NEAR CAR AT ROADSIDE
Earl Ewer Apparently Shot Miss Geraldine Worley, Then Kills Self. Shots Heard About 11 p.m. Bodies Found by Gary Men, Northeast of Town.
This community was stunned early Sunday morning when it was learned that the lifeless bodies of Earl Ewer and Miss Geraldine Worley had been found along the roadside about a quarter mile south of the old Jones schoolhouse, 3 miles northeast of Lowell.
The bodies were found by Homer Smull, 1808 Cleveland Ave., Whiting, and Allan Hosane, 570 Buchanan street, Gary, who were going on a fishing trip about 5 a.m. that morning. They immediately went to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Hayden, south of the scene, who called the Sheriff's office, and deputies were soon on the scene, and they called Dr. Franklin Petry, Deputy Coroner.
The men who found the bodies did not recognize them, but as soon as some of our citizens arrived there they recognized who they were.
The bodies were found along side the car which belonged to Ewer, which was parked at the side of the road, and their feet were near the running board of the car. She was lying on her back with two bullet wounds in her breast, and he was lying on his face, with a bullet wound [in] his head. According to the report there was not a sign of a struggle of any kind and both of them were lying peacefully on the ground.
The young couple had been keeping company for some time, and it is understood that Miss Worley told friends that Saturday night was to be her last "date" with Ewer. It is supposed that he was so downcast when he heard this that he shot the young lady and then turned the gun on himself and took his own life.
The young couple were last seen alive at about 11 p.m. Saturday night when she quit work in the Royal Blue store, and he was there to meet her and supposedly take her home. They both seemed to be in a very jovial mood and talked and laughed with their friends as they got in the Ewer car and drove away.
We understand that Walter Seyfarth, who has made the schoolhouse into a summer home, told the authorities he heard shots about 11:30 Saturday night, but it's quite common to hear shots and he paid no further attention to the matter, but this may have been the shots that snuffed out the lives of the two popular young people.
The bodies were brought to the Weaver funeral home in Lowell after Deputy Coroner Petry arrived at the scene.
Earl was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Ewer, of northeast of town, and was a fine young man. He was about 25 years of age and graduated from the Lowell schools several years ago and since that time has worked with his father at farming and carpenter work. His funeral was held at the Weaver funeral home Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.
Geraldine was daughter of Mrs. Henry Worley and was 19 years of age. She graduated from Lowell High school with the class of 1933. Since that time she has been at home and just recently accepted a part time position at the Royal Blue store. She was of a jovial disposition and a most estimable young lady, and had a host of friends among the younger set of this section. Her funeral was held at the Christian church at 2 p.m. Tuesday.
Geraldine Worley
Geraldine Elizabeth Worley was born in Chicago, Ill., December 11, 1915. Her death occurred on the night of August 17, 1935, at which time she was 19 years, 8 months and 6 days of age. She came with her parents to Lowell in the fall of 1923 and entered the Grade school at the age of seven years. All her school work was done in the Lowell schools, and she graduated from the Lowell High school with the class of 1933, having been prominent in the various class and school activities during her entire school life. She was also a member of the Royal Neighbors in which she also had been active during the years of her membership.
Geraldine united with the Church of Christ of Lowell, under the ministry of Frank Nickerson, having been baptized January 23, 1927. She had always been faithful to her church, serving in various fields of activity to which she was called, and at the time of her death was assistant secretary in the Bible school.
She leaves to mourn their loss, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Worley, a large number of relatives; the great number of friends made through school, the Royal Neighbors, and the church; along with many other personal friends of this and other communities.
Geraldine's friendly disposition and cheery smile had won the hearts of all, and an entire community mourns and extends to the bereaved parents the sympathy it feels in these hours of sorrow and heartache.
Funeral services were conducted at the Christian church, Tuesday at 2 p.m. J.E. Poer, minister in charge; Weaver & Son directing. Interment in the Lowell cemetery.