Six of eight San Francisco youths on trial here on charges of waging a 15-month campaign of anti-Semitic terror against an Austrian immigrant and his wife pleaded guilty yesterday. The two others entered pleas of innocent and their trial was set for January 15 before Superior Judge Harry Neubarth. Those pleading guilty will be sentenced January 9. They face maximum sentences of three years in prison.
The terror campaign began in April 1960 when neighborhood toughs, ranging in age from 16 to 21, systematically terrorized the couple, Mr. and Mrs William Bowman. They called the couple at all hours of night and snarled obscenities and made anti-Semitic remarks. Two of the youths pleaded guilty before the trial. They will be sentenced on December 18. Two juveniles admitted guilty and were placed on probation.
Other incidents during the period included the smearing of the word “Eichmann” across the front of their home; the smashing of their front windows with beer bottles; vandalism against their car and the sending of unwanted deliveries and services, including a policeman to the Bowman home.
Mr. Bowman, 59, who lost 25 pounds during the 15-month ordeal, finally brought an end to the terror campaign by calling Mayor George Christopher. The youths, who were arrested and indicted last June, were charged with conspiracy to commit arson, malicious mischief and making lewd telephone calls.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
