Part 10
The grand jury, reconvened in May 1934, indicted Sellman and four others: Cap Daniels (also known as Calvin C. Daniel), Rupert A. Maultsby, Wade Hamilton Brown, and Maurice James “Morris” Lusty. Bonds were set at $10,000 each, later reduced to $5,000. The indictments stemmed from the Rangers' theory that Robertson was beaten in a fight, possibly over money owed to him, at another location before being dumped. This development aroused the citizenship of San Saba, with the community withholding judgment but supporting the officers' efforts to unravel the 'baffling mystery murder.' 43
Court proceedings began in the fall term of 1934, with six murder cases set for trial starting October 22, five related to Robertson's death. The defendants— Sellman, Maultsby, Lusty, Daniel, and Brown— were out on bond. A special venire of 110 men was called for the trials of Sellman and Brown, scheduled for October 29. Forty witnesses were summoned by the state. Prosecuting the case was District Attorney Hammond, assisted by County Attorney J. Mitch Johnson. The defense for Sellman was handled by local lawyers James H. Baker, a former prosecuting attorney from Brownwood, and F. R. Gray. 44