Sunday, July 28, 2013

By John H. Rogers

Editor's Note: This story regarding the disappearance of Billy Martin originally appeared in The Brazil Times Monday, Aug. 12, 1957.

Harry Allen "Tex" Higgins, the primary suspect in the mysterious disappearance of Billy Martin, seven-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. William Martin, 352 North Colfax St., was taken to Indianapolis early this morning to take a lie detector test.

Higgins was first questioned about Billy by Sheriff William Downing about 3 a.m., Sunday and later was brought down to the Police Station at 9 a.m. Sunday morning. The Associated Press from Indianapolis informed the Brazil Daily Times at noon today the lie detector test scheduled for "Tex" Higgins did not start when planned. Because of the delay, results of the test probably will not be known until tomorrow.

He was interrogated by Downing, Deputy Sheriff Glenn Van Horn, Thomas Henshllwood, city policeman and detective Sgt., Joseph Feeny from Putnamville.

According to police, Higgins told them he was at Martin's home about 3 p.m., Saturday afternoon working on a puzzle. He said both the Martin boys, Billy and his younger brother were playing on the front porch.

Both boys, according to Higgins were riding tricycles around to porch running into each other. He said that Billy got mad and ran down the alley. He then returned to the house and continued working on his puzzle.

About 10 minutes to 4 or thereabouts Higgins said he left the Martin home to go out to the Lorene Evans farm to wash his car. He said he saw Billy standing on the corner about two blocks from the house.

Higgins said as he turned left onto Depot Street the Martin boy had disappeared.