Esther Speroni, Sterling, was the victor in a contested will in a decision given today by Judge Ray I. Klingbiel, in circuit court at Sterling.

In the ruling, Judge Klingbiel stated that Ester Speroni should receive all of the property owned by Peter J. Speroni, estranged husband, at the time of his death.

Peter Speroni's heirs contested the will, alleging that Speroni was murdered as the result of a conspiracy between Esther Speroni and ex-convict James Murphy. Murphy married Speroni after her divorce from Peter.

Murphy was tried for the murder of Speroni Oct. 2, 1940 and was convicted. He is serving a life sentence in IL State Penitentiary, at Menard.

After the death of Speroni, a will was unearthed dated January 19, 1932. Peter and Esther Speroni were living together as man and wife at that time.

This will resulted in court proceedings that were pending in circuit court of Whiteside County for several years.

Peter and Esther Speroni operated a carnival throughout the southwest for a number of years.

Peter J. Speroni was a brother of John E. Speroni Sterling, who was recently enjoind by a decision of the Appelgate Court from operating a gambling house in Sterling.

Two of the lawyers in the case died since the case started. The late Sim J. Lee, Sterling, deceased, formerly U.S. District Attorney and Robert L. Bracken, of Dixon, represented Esther Speroni.

Arthur H. Shay, Sterling, deceased of Ward and Ward, Sterling and Sheldon and Brown of Sterling represented the heirs of Peter J. Speroni.

Dixon Evening Telegarph May 13, 1949