The State charged the defendants with the murder of Carroll Martin during an attempt to rob his family. The State theorized that they were "blacked and in disguise…or else in fact, negroes." Before charging the defendants, black residents were rounded up for identification but the daughter could not ID the perpetrators. Then white suspects were pursued. The venue was moved from Van Buren to Warren County and resulted in a hung jury. At the second circuit trial they were convicted of first degree murder.