Surprise Me!

Tuesday, May 13th, 1913 Mystery Within a Mystery Now Baffling Newspaper Men Working on the Phagan Case

2026-06-05 11 Dailymotion

A veil of secrecy so thick it has shut out every ray of light surrounds the identity of the private detective engaged by Solicitor General Dorsey in the Phagan investigation. Newspaper men working the case have been unable to learn anything beyond the bare facts: the mysterious detective worked on the case for only one week and has since left Atlanta, reportedly traveling some distance away to pursue another matter.

"This detective, one of the best in the country," Dorsey has said, "did not leave the case on account of any dissatisfaction on my part. I am absolutely satisfied with his work and hope he will continue working on the case."

Where Did He Come From?

Where the detective came from is known to no one but Dorsey himself. In an interview Monday, the Solicitor declared that he has not disclosed the man's name to a single person and that his movements are known to no one save himself.

Whether the detective has uncovered anything of substance remains equally guarded. Nothing will be revealed, it appears, until the entire matter has been consolidated and every piece of obtainable evidence is in hand. Hundreds of affidavits have been flowing into Dorsey's office throughout the investigation, many of which will ultimately be set aside.

Case Before Jury Friday

Dorsey also indicated in Monday's interview that the case is unlikely to reach the Grand Jury before Friday, and that Frank and Lee will in all probability be considered together when it does. Should a true bill be returned against both men, he said he could not yet say which of them would be brought to trial first.