July 22: Teen Found Dead in Grandma's House

On July 22, 1949, at around 10:40 p.m., Alma Deery, age 16,  was found dead on the floor of her bedroom in her grandmother's home in Sheeder, Pennsylvania

Alma's father Earl W. Deery, age 46, was arrested along with his wife, Mary Gladys Deery, age 37, and Mary's sister, Myrtle Lahr, age 31. Earl and Mary Gladys were charge with attempted abortion causing death, aiding and abetting an abortion, and conspiracy to do an unlawful act. Myrtle was charge with aiding and abetting an abortion, conspiracy to do an unlawful act, and accessory before and after the fact. Each was held on $3,000 bail

Alma's boyfriend, James Souch, age 21, was arrested for aiding and abetting an attempt to commit an abortion but the charge was dropped and he signed out on a $500 bond as a material witness.

Alma's death certificate says "Causes unknown at this time pending further investigation."

Sources:

• Death certificate
• "Alma Fay Deery's Parents And Aunt Held In Death," Lancaster (PA) Intelligencer Journal, July 30, 1949