Dead in the Wake of the Kennedy AssassinationClay Shaw: Mysterious Death?New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison's wacky "investigation" of Clay Shaw for the assassination of John Kennedy was one of the lowest points in the history of American criminal justice. A victim in life of crackpot conspiracy theories, in death Clay Shaw has been included on lists of "mysterious deaths."New Orleans Department of Police HOSPITALIZATION CASE REPORT Weather: clear Lighting: good Temp: specify +92 degrees
1. Death 51. Sketch Detail of Incident [blank] 52. Reporting Officer Det. John Dillmann Badge 1309 Reporting Officer Det. Fred Dantagnan Badge 1534 53. Supervisor Approving Lt. Robert Mutz 54. Date of Report 8-28-74 CONTINUATION SHEET (CASE) NEW ORLEANS DEPARTMENT OF POLICE
Page 2 of 10 Pages
that the victim expired on August 15, 1974 about 12:40 AM at his residence, 1022 St. Peter Street. The death certificate was signed by Dr. Hugh M. Batson, with the cause of death reflecting Methstatic Lung Malignancy, Brain and Liver. Also furnished was a statement obtained by the Orleans Parish Coroner's Office from Mr. William Acosta, Manager of the House of Bultman Funeral Home. A review of this statement reflected that the House of Bultman received a telephone call about 1:30 AM on August 15, 1974 from Mr. E. Wegmann, Attorney at Law, representing the deceased, Clay Shaw. Mr. Wegman stated that Mr. Shaw had expired and requested the House of Bultman to pick up the remains. Mr. Acosta went on to say that he and Mrs. Frances Bultman, who were personal friends of the deceased, proceeded directly to 1022 St. Peter Street, arriving there about 1:55 AM. Upon entering the residence, Mr. Acosta observed Mr. Shaw's remains lying in a bed in the rear bedroom, clad in a hospital gown. A night table was at the foot of the bed. The body was lying with the head to the north and the feet to the south. Mr. Acosta added that upon his arrival, he was met by Mr. Wegman, Dr. Batson, and a sitter, named Don. The hearse arrived at the residence about 2:00 AM manned by a Mr. Englehart and Mr. Vickers. The body was then removed to the funeral home and the normal procedure of arterial injection and aspirating of the body cavities took place. Mr. Acosta closed by stating that while at the Shaw residence, he did not observe any evidence of violence or any abnormalities. There was nothing to indicate to Mr. Acosta that this death was anything other than normal. Dets. Dillman and Dantagnan then proceeded to the law offices of Mr. E. Wegman, where at 3:10 PM CONTINUATION SHEET (CASE) NEW ORLEANS DEPARTMENT OF POLICE
Page 3 of 10 Pages an oral interview was conducted. It was learned from Mr. Wegman that he has been Mr. Shaw's attorney since 1949 and since that time has become a close and personal friend. He added that on August 15, 1974 about 12:40 AM he was notified by Mr. Shaw's sitter (Don Doody) that Mr. Shaw had expired. Mr. Wegman dressed and immediately drove to 1022 St. Peter Street, accompanied by Dr. Batson, whom he had picked up enroute. They arrived at the Shaw residence about 1:50 AM where they were met by the sitter, Don Doody. Mr. Doody informed Mr. Wegman that about 12:30 AM he was called to Mr. Shaw's bed and upon checking the victim, observed an amount of secretion flowing from the victim's mouth and nostrils. He attempted to clean the victim's face and while doing so, the victim gasped and apparently expired. Mr. Doody immediately notified Mr. Wegman, which were his instructions, in case of Mr. Shaw's death. Mr. Wegmann added that he then notified the House of Bultman who in turn, picked up the remains shortly thereafter. Upon further questioning, Mr. Wegman stated that to his knowledge the victim had been suffering from terminal cancer and had been seen by his attending physician, Dr. Batson, the day prior to his death. To his knowledge, Mr. Shaw's condition had been progressively worsened in the last week, and it was just a matter of time until he expired. The main reason for the sitter's presence was to make certain that Mr. Shaw was comfortable and cared for. Mr. Wegman further stated that the New Orleans Police Department and the New Orleans Coroner's Office was not notified of Mr. Shaw's death because it was his understanding that it was not necessary. He elaborated by stating that he and Dr. Batson were under the impression that if a person expries and has been seen by his attending physician within 36 hours of his death, that it is not a necessity that the Coroner's CONTINUATION SHEET (CASE) NEW ORLEANS DEPARTMENT OF POLICE
Page 4 of 10 Pages Office be notified. Mr. Wegman furnished the detectives with the names and addresses of the sitters hired to take care of Mr. Shaw, and it should be noted that Mr. Wegman was very cooperative in assisting in this investigation. Upon completing the above mentioned interview, Dets. Dillmann and Dantagnan proceeded to Oschner Foundation Hospital where at 5:00 PM they interviewed Mr. Shaw's attending physician, Dr. Hugh Batson. Dr. Batson was very cooperative and furnished the detectives with a detailed synopsis of Mr. Shaw's condition. Dr. Batson first began to treat Shaw in May of 1973. Mr. Shaw's first complaint was of a leg condition, however, during the subsequent examination, an ulcer was detected. During the subsequent examination and treatment for Mr. Shaw's ulcer, Dr. Batson found that Mr. Shaw was suffering from acute lung cancer. Shaw then began radiation treatments for this condition. He was again hospitalized in January, 1974 for four days, at which time he continued the radiation treatments. He was released and re-admitted in February, 1974, this time suffering from seizures. A blood clot was detected in the left portion of Mr. Shaw's skull, however, this was not the cause of Mr. Shaw's seizures. Shaw was admitted on February 5, 1974 and surgery was performed on February 8, 1974. During the removal of the blood clot, lesions (signs of cancer) were detected in Mr. Shaw's brain. He then began radiation treatments for the brain cancer and was released on February [illegible] 1974. During the months of March and April, Shaw continued the radiation treatments, but on April 18, 1974, he discontinued these treatments, and it was the feeling of Dr. Batson that Mr. Shaw was drinking
CONTINUATION SHEET (CASE) NEW ORLEANS DEPARTMENT OF POLICE
Page 5 of 10 Pages heavily. Shaw was again admitted on June 14, 1974 and received several more radiation treatments. His condition seemed to worsen and he appeared to be incoherent at times. He was released on June 27, 1974 against the recommendation of Dr. Batson. It was during this confinement that cancer was also detected in Mr. Shaw's liver. During the time between June 27, 1974 and Shaw's death he was visited several times by Dr. Batson. His condition was progressively worse and according to Dr. Batson, the week preceeding his death, the victim was completely bedridden. Mr. Shaw needed constant care as he urinated without his knowledge, was at times delirious, and on occasion refused his medication. According to Dr. Batson, he visited the victim on the date preceding his death and found that his condition was to the point where he was not in touch with reality, that is, he did not recognize people and was only eating a small amount of candy. It was Dr. Batson's opinion after examining him on August 14, 1974 and receiving no response from him, that nothing could be done for him at this point, except to make him as comfortable as possible. Upon further questioning, Dr. Batson stated that to his knowledge, the sitters obtained by Mr. Shaw to care for him were personal friends and not any form of registered nurses, et cetera. Dr. Batson also furnished the detectives with a list of medications he had prescribed for Mr. Shaw, which are as follows:
DILANTAN - prescribed by Dr. Batson since February, 1974 for Mr.
Shaw's seizures. To Dr. Batson's knowledge, Shaw continued the
medication until the latter part of June, at which time he refused to
continue.
CONTINUATION SHEET (CASE) NEW ORLEANS DEPARTMENT OF POLICE
Page 6 of 10 Pages Batson, he did not think that Mr. Shaw had taken very much of this medication. DARVON - 65 milligrams, prescribed in the latter part of June for pain. This prescription was phoned to K & B Drug Store and picked up by one of Mr. Shaw's sitters (Mrs. Baumgarter). Dr. Batson did not know if Shaw had taken any of this medication. Upon further questioning, Dr. Batson, he stated that upon arrival at the Shaw residence the night he expired, he noted no signs of any abnormalities, either in the bedroom where they body was found nor in the physical condition of the body. He added that he did not contact the Orleans Parish Coroner's Office because as previously stated by Mr. Wegman, he was under the impression that because he was treating Clay Shaw for terminal cancer and had been seeing him frequently, it wasn't necessary. It should be noted that the investigating detectives attempted to interview Mr. Shaw's sitter, Don Doody, on the night of August 16, 1974. This interview was not conducted because Don Doody had just returned from Mr. Shaw's funeral, and it was apparent that he did not have full control at the time; therefore, an appointment was made for the following day. On August 17, 1974 about 11:30 AM detectives met with Mr. Don Doody at 1022 St. Peter Street in the presence of Mr. Wegman, victim's attorney. It was learned from Mr. Doody that he has been a close and personal friend of the victim for the past 20 years. Doody attended Tulane Law School, graduating
CONTINUATION SHEET (CASE) NEW ORLEANS DEPARTMENT OF POLICE
Page 7 of 10 Pages in 1961 and has resided at 1214 Cole Street in San Francisco for the past few years. Doody was contacted by Mr. Shaw in late May, at which time he was told of Mr. Shaw's condition. The victim requested that Doody come to New Orleans and attend to him with the understanding that he would be compensated for this service. Doody arrived in New Orleans the latter part of June and has taken care of Mr. Shaw since his arrival. Since that time, Shaw's condition had become steadily worse. He then stated substantially the same account of Shaw's condition as previously mentioned by Dr. Batson relative to the week prior to his death. He added that he was always with Mr. Shaw except during the hours of 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM when he was cared for by another close friend, Mrs. Gail Baumgardner. He further stated that it became necessary to hire a medical student to assist him in the caring of Shaw. This student, who he identified as one Wayne Julian, Tulane Medical School student, assisted in the care of Mr. Shaw from 10:00 PM until 8:00 AM, seven days a week. Upon further questioning, Doody stated that about 12:30 AM on August 15, 1974 he was called into Mr. Shaw's bedroom by the aforementioned medical student who stated that something was wrong. Doody observed a large amount of secretion flowing from Shaw's mouth and nostrils and while attempting to wipe Shaw's face, observed the victim expire. Mr. Wegman was then notified, and he and Dr. Batson arrived there shortly thereafter, pronouncing Mr. Shaw dead. The House of Bultman was summoned and the body was removed. Since the victim's death, Doody has been designated caretaker for the Shaw residence and will remain living there for about a month. Mr. Doody furnished the detectives with the names of the other sitters, including the Tulane medical student, and all medications that Mr. Shaw had been taking. He added
CONTINUATION SHEET (CASE) NEW ORLEANS DEPARTMENT OF POLICE
Page 8 of 10 Pages that this medication was given to Mr. Shaw by either himself or the other two sitters, but did stress that on occasion they would find this medication thrown on the floor or under the bed in the victim's bedroom.
The following is a list of medication found by the investigating
detectives on the [illegible] while conducting their investigation: It should be noted that 1022 St. Peter Street is a wood frame raised single dwelling, consisting of a livingroom, dining room, kitchen, bath, and two rear bedrooms. The investigating detectives conducted a thorough search of the residence, including the rear bedroom occupied by the victim. It was noted that in this room, twin single beds had been placed side by side. It was learned from Mr. Doody
CONTINUATION SHEET (CASE) NEW ORLEANS DEPARTMENT OF POLICE
Page 9 of 10 Pages that this was done for the purpose of better observation of the victim by the medical student, Wayne Julian. No other pertinent signs were noted in the residence. On August 20, 1974 Dets. Dillmann and Dantagnan had the occasion to interview one Wayne Julian, who was acting as a sitter for Mr. Shaw at the time of his death. It was learned from Mr. Julian that he is in his second year at Tulane Medical School and learned of Mr. Shaw's need from the Student Affairs Office at Tulane University. Julian inquired into the job and was hired by Mrs. Gail Baumgardner, who at the time worked at Tulane University. He began acting as a sitter in the latter part of June and was paid about $3.00 an hour. Before beginning this job, he spoke to the attending physician, Dr. Batson, who informed him that Clay Shaw was suffering from terminal cancer. He went on to say that he would arrive at the Shaw residence about 10:00 PM and leave at 8:00 AM. Mr. Shaw occupied a rear bedroom, however, Julian did not stay in the same room with him except for the night of his death. The only medication given to the victim by Julian was Dilantin, which was administered to him every morning about 7:40 AM. According to Mr. Julian, any other medication administered to Mr. Shaw was by the other two sitters. He did confirm an earlier statement by Mr. Doody that at times Shaw would refuse his medication and sometimes, same would be found thrown about the bedroom. He added that during the week prior to Mr. Shaw's death, his condition appeared to be progressively worse. Upon reporting for duty at 10:00 PM on August 14, 1974 Julian was informed by Doody that the victim had had a seizure around 4:00 PM. Doody asked Julian to stay in the same bed-
CONTINUATION SHEET (CASE) NEW ORLEANS DEPARTMENT OF POLICE
Page 10 of 10 Pages room with the victim as he might be able to watch him closer. The victim appeared to be semi-conscious and his breathing was irregular. About 12:20 AM Julian noted some liquid flowing from the nose and mouth of the victim, at which time he notified Mr. Doody. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Shaw expired in the presence of he and Mr. Doody. Mr. Shaw's attorney, Mr. Wegman, was then notified and Julian left the apartment before he and Dr. Batson arrived. Upon further questioning Julian stated that when he would arrive at the Shaw residence about 10:00 PM, that Shaw was being cared for by Mrs. Baumgarnder. Doody would arrive shortly thereafter and would assist him in taking care of Mr. Shaw. Mr. Julian was unable to add any other pertinent information other than the fact that to his knowledge, Doody and Mrs. Baumgardner are supposed to be personal friends with the deceased. It should also be noted that Mrs. Gail Baumgardner was present during the aforementioned interview with Mr. Doody and substantiated the same facts as related by both Mr. Doody and Wayne Julian. Although the exact cause of Mr. Shaw's death could never be determined without the results of an autopsy, it is clearly evident that Mr. Shaw's condition was terminal. During the week prior to his death, he was seen by his attending physician and was being made as comfortable as possible. As of the completion of this report, no evidence has been found to indicate that Mr. Shaw's death was anything but natural. Final classification to be made by the Orleans Parish Coroner's Office.
Reporting Officer Det. John Dillmann Badge 1309
|