Kent State Trial--One Guilty, One Not

One of the 25 Kent State trial defendants was convicted of a misdemeanor yesterday, and the case against a second was dismissed.

The Portage County, Ohio jury found Jerry Rupe guilty of interfering with firemen but was deadlocked over the felony counts of arson, first-degree riot, and assaulting a fireman. The jurymen were dismissed after eight hours of deliberation on the three felony charges.

Common Pleas Court Judge Albert L. Caris dismissed charges of arson and first-degree riot against the second defendant, Peter C. Bliek, on account of insufficient evidence. Four prosecution witnesses had been unable to place Bliek at the scene of the fire.

Judge Edwin W. Jones postponed sentencing Rupe for the misdemeanor, which could draw a jail sentence of 30 days to six months, and a fine of $50-$500.

Attorney General William Brown said in Columbus yesterday that a decision on whether to retry Rupe on the three felony charges would be made soon.