“life sentence commuted” 3 x 3 inches, acrylic on photopaper.
Frank Delaney Yuma Prisoner 1402
After serving seven years for the murder of Ed Madden, Frank Delaney’s life sentence was commuted by Governor Brodie in 1905 to 25 years. Prominent citizens and lawyers for both sides concluded that there was no premeditation, as argued in the original case. Madden, boss of the construction crew on the Santa Fe Pacific RR line, and Delaney were both drunk one night. After Delaney had fallen asleep in one of the cars, Madden woke him up by kicking him and then slashing him in the face. When Delaney regained his footing he went for his gun, followed and shot Madden dead.