October 30, 1957
October 30, 1957
James Michael O'Kasick went to. Hennepin district court today in brown slippers and pleaded not guilty to murder assault and kidnapping.
The 20-year-old youth was arraigned before Judge William C. Larson. The assistant public defender, Kermit Gill, was appointed temporarily until it is determined whether O'Kasick will be able to hire his own lawyer.
The five foot five defendant is the sole survivor, of three brothers who shot and killed Patrolman Robert Fossum and wounded his partner, Ward Canfield.
The first degree murder, charge and first-degree assault charge are in connection with the shooting of the officers.
The kidnapping charge is in connection with the holding of Mrs. Velma Anderson, Bloomington housewife, as a. hostage during the getaway of O'Kasick and his brothers, Roger and Ronald, after the, shooting.
O'Kasick was handcuffed, to another prisoner in court. He walked as though he favored his left side, where he shot himself after he and his brothers were cornered in the refuge near Wyoming, Minn.
He appeared with a' short-sleeved gray and white sport shirt, brownish striped trousers with no belt He told Judge Larson he made no arrangements for an attorney. Larson then appointed Gill temporarily.
The only one of the three charges, which was read, in court was the murder indictment. O'Kasick displayed no emotion during the reading of the detailed account of the charge accusing him and his brothers.
Bail of $10,000 on e a c h charge was fixed by Larson, with a return date of Nov. 6.
It is possible that, should he demand it, O'Kasick would go on trial on that date.
Alan Hitchcock, Hennepin county jailer, said O'Kasick had spent his first night in, jail quietly. The youth was released from General hospital Tuesday and accompanied Detective Inspector Charles Wetherille on a tour of the escape route following the shooting.
Another Picture of O'Kasick
