The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-01-01
Murder In Williamsburg.

CoRoNER's NQUEsT-C0NFEssIoN OF THE MURDRR-
ER-THE PRISONER COMMITTED TO JAIL FOB TRIAL.
On Friday night, soon after IL o'clock, disturb.
ance occurred in q porterhouse on the corner of
North Seventh and First streets, Williamsburg,
which resulted in q man, named Michael Koran,
being instantly killed by the contents of fowiing-
piece, which was discharged at him by the keep
er Of the house, VIM. Brennan. The contents, con.
sistng of shot, entered the left side just below the
heart, causing death almost Immediately, without
his uttering o groan. Deceased was about thirty
years of age, was born in Ireland, and resided in
Fourth street, between North Fifth and North Sixth
streets, Williamsburg. He had for some time been
on the most intimate terms with Mr.. Brennan. It is
thought by many that the murder was not inten-
tona but rather the result Of accident during very
great excitement.
At eleven O'Clock yesterday morning Coroner Cook
proceeded to empannel jury, at the Second ward
station house, for the purpose of investigating the
affair. The first person sworn was the prisoner who
made the following Confession
am forty years Of age; was born in Ireland; re-
side at the corner Of First and North Seventh Streets
went to bed at ten O'Clock last night, and ordered
my barkeeper TO close up; soon heard a noise be-
low, and told my wife there was 2 fight; went
down, and found deceased, (Mfchael Horan,)
pushing George Murphy down on chair; went be-
he replied that he would, when / said would
not let him; To then took mold OF me by the neck,
and we had q scufle, when broke loose from him;
four or five strangers were in the room; tall man
took two glass bottles by their necks and raised one
TO strike me with; ran to a cupboard and took out
an old sword ut the same time deceased was beating
Murphy; j told them to 60 abou. their business; the
sword did not Brighten them, when told them
would soon make them 20 out, and Immediately ran
up stairs and got double barrelled gun; on coming
down ordered the party to go out, which they did;
deceased returned again; as he was coming In the
door said, Mike, now go home" at the same time
placing the muzxle Of the gun against his breast and
pushed him, when the gun went or; threw down
was hurt; do not recollect cosking the gun; load
ed It about three months since with shot to kill birds
with had no intention Of shooting him; was very
much frightened when came down and saw the par
ty beating Murphy; should not probably have been
80 hsd not seen the man with the bottles in his
hands; in the presence OF Almighty God l say
never intended TO shoot Koran, and when 50 what
had been done, caught him in my arms and asked
him II he was hurt; he never spoke; then ran up
stairs ard told my wife what / had done, and then
went to the Second ward station house and delivered
myself mp; deceased Was in my house every day, and
we were the greatest Of friends; never had any
trouble with him; held the gun In both hands, but
am not eonfciUus OF having cooked II; was under
the impression, when deceased turned to come back,
that the party were csmng also; did not have any
me; this occurred soon aftef eleven o'clock; there
were three Or I'VE othsu present beside Murphy and
the bartender.
Q. By Jurm-Did you ever take the gun to any
M hsfNl A. ! tQa< ps sp aacs asssys and