Youth, 17, gets life term

Associated Press · February 2, 1952

Robert F. Pett,17, (left) sits handcuffed in an ante room with Sheriff Lester Melchert while waiting for a jury to bring in its verdict. The jury convicted young Pett of first degree murder in the slaying of his foster mother, Mrs. Mary G. Pett, 51. She was shot, knifed and beaten to death. Pett was sentenced to life in prison. The slaying occurred Oct. 16. Pett was captured three days later at Dunedin, Fla.