People v. Clapp

Appeal from a conviction of murder in the second degree and from the order denying a motion for a new trial.

The victim of appellant’s crime was Doris Jean Branch, eighteen years of age. She had been married to Harvey Branch on November 21, 1943. Pursuant to an appointment made by her father she called at the office of appellant, a chiropractor of Long Beach. She employed him to effect an abortion. He had told Doris’ father that a miscarriage could be produced either by force or by curettement. She was in good health, did all of her household work, danced and engaged in other sports. At the…