A defendant was on trial for murder in Oklahoma. There was strong
evidence indicating guilt, but there was no corpse.

In the defense’s closing statement the lawyer, knowing that his client
would probably be convicted, resorted to a trick.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I have a surprise for you all,"
the lawyer said as he looked at his watch. "Within one minute, the
person presumed dead in this case will walk into this courtroom."

He looked toward the courtroom door. The jurors, somewhat stunned,
all looked on eagerly. A minute passed. Nothing happened.