Witness 1: Samuel Gamble

Prosecution: Did you see the defendant, Sam Starr, around the time your horse went missing?

Samuel Gamble: No, sir. I didn’t see him. I heard he was sick when my horse was taken.

Prosecution: So, at the time the horse was taken, Sam Starr was quite ill?

Samuel Gamble: Yes, sir. He was very sick.

Prosecution: No further questions, Your Honor. Call Samuel Campbell.

[Music]

[Music]

Court Clerk: Do you swear to tell the truth?

Samuel Campbell: Yes, I do.

Court Clerk: Please state your name.

Samuel Campbell: Samuel Campbell.

Court Clerk: Do you know the defendant, Sam Starr?

Samuel Campbell: Yes, sir, I do.

Prosecution: Did your horse go missing?

Samuel Campbell: Yes, it did.

Prosecution: Where did you last see your horse?

Samuel Campbell: At my place.

Prosecution: Do you know where Mrs. Starr was during that time?

Samuel Campbell: I believe she was from Texas. I’m not sure if she had anything to do with my horse.

Prosecution: Did you hear that the Starr family had measles?

Samuel Campbell: Yes, sir. It was going around the community.

Prosecution: No further questions.

[Music]

[Applause]

Witness 2: Ellen

Court Clerk: Please state your name.

Ellen: Ellen.

Prosecution: Do you live near the Starr family?

Ellen: Yes, I do.

Prosecution: Were the Starrs sick with measles?

Ellen: Yes, they were. In late March.

Prosecution: Did you know Sam Starr had relapsed with measles?

Ellen: Yes, he did.

Prosecution: Did you visit the Starrs often?

Ellen: Yes, quite often.

Prosecution: Did you see Belle Starr?

Ellen: Yes, she was tending to Sam.

Prosecution: Did Sam Starr leave the house during his illness?

Ellen: No, he was very ill.

Prosecution: Did a doctor visit Sam Starr?

Ellen: Yes, he did.

Prosecution: Are you sure the whole Starr family had measles?

Ellen: Yes, I am.

Prosecution: Do you know anything about a horse being taken?

Ellen: No, I don’t.

Prosecution: No further questions.

[Music]

Witness 3: Tom Starr

Court Clerk: Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?

Tom Starr: Yes, I do.

Court Clerk: Please state your name and residence for the court.

Tom Starr: My name is Tom Starr, from the Briartown community in the Territory.

Prosecution: How are you related to Sam Starr?

Tom Starr: Sam is my son.

Prosecution: Did Sam spend a lot of time with you in the house?

Tom Starr: Yes, he stayed with me in March and got sick with the measles. He stayed until May.

Prosecution: Did Belle Starr come to your house?

Tom Starr: Yes, she went back and forth between our place and her place.

Prosecution: How do you know Sam was sick in late April?

Tom Starr: I remember because I was plowing. He was sick on April 20th.

Prosecution: Did Belle Starr have to pass Mr. West’s place to come to your house?

Tom Starr: No, it was out of her way.

Prosecution: No further questions.

Defense Attorney: Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, Mr. Crane claims that the Starrs stole his horse. He states that when he confronted Belle Starr, she denied knowing anything. He never saw his horse again. The Starr family was sick with measles and could not have taken the horse. Belle Starr was tending to her husband, Sam Starr, who was bedridden.

[Music]

Defense Closing Argument: Members of the jury, the defense asks you to consider the evidence. The Starrs were ill and could not have stolen the horse. Mr. Crane has no proof. The Starrs should be acquitted of these charges.

Prosecution Closing Argument: Members of the jury, the evidence shows the Starr family was involved in the disappearance of the horse. Despite their illness, there were conflicting stories and inconsistencies in their testimonies. We ask you to find them guilty.

Judge: Members of the jury, you have heard the evidence and the arguments. It is now your duty to deliberate and reach a verdict.Judge:

If you don’t know the historical outcome, Belle Starr was historically found guilty. This case has always intrigued people due to Belle Starr’s legendary status.Moderator:
How many of you were familiar with Belle Starr? She has been the subject of many stories and books, often portrayed as the “Bandit Queen.”Audience Member:
I had heard of her but didn’t know much about the actual trial.Moderator:
Her notoriety came from stories and newspapers after her death. The trial testimony shows a different side. Do you think the witnesses were truthful? What do you think happened to the horse?Audience Member:
It’s possible the horse ran away or was stolen by someone else.Moderator:
It’s true. The evidence presented was based on historical records. We had subpoenas for other witnesses, including Dr. Reddy, but they were not present. The truth might never be known, but it’s interesting to explore these historical events.Thank you all for participating and engaging in this reenactment.