Staunton vindicator and general advertiser. (Staunton, Augusta County, Va.) 1858-1860, 1858-06-26
Convicted.

Preston Hurley, once . preacher of the
gospel, has been convicted before the Cir
cult Court Of Kanawha county, Virginia,
lot the murder Of bis wife, and IS to be hung.
His wife IS said to have been one Of the
best ct women, and most respectfully con-
nected. The killing was effected BY plac-
ing q rope around her neck and choking
her tosdeath. He then threw her body into
the river.
Ihe kanawha Valley Star says:
The Jury. contrary to the expectations
Of every individual we have heard speak on
the subject, did not agree for several days.
They were hung" until the morning of
Saturday, the 18th instant, when they rem
dered verdict Of Murder in the first de-
gree" We understand that at the first
count, the Jury stood nine for hanging, to
three for confinement in the Penitentiary :;
this last number was increased to four by a
secession from the majority. We have
heard that the old plea Of s'insanity,n SO
ably argued BY prisoners counsel, had its
influence with some. and that one had some
scruples about rendering verdict that
would lead to capital punishment, although
Judge Summers made that point Of spe-
cal inquiry to each Juryman. We hope
the Judge, if he is ever again placed in the
same predicament will explain to the Jury,
that by capital punishment is meant the
taking of life by law, and not confinement
N the Penitentiary at the Capital The
matter will then appear to an intelligent
Juryman, as clear as mud he will know
what he is swearing to, and net become
"obfustifcated'' afterwards.
The verdict that was given was expected
by all who heard the testimony, and does
not meet with dissenting voice Much as
we regard the feelings Of his family con-
nexlons, many of whom are among the most
respected and respectable citizens of our
county, we must say that any other verdict
than the one rendered, would not have met
the demands of justice, or of this commun-
lty. 1t was an aggravated casa wife
murdered by her husband, in her own bed,
BY the side of her little ones, in the silent
hour Of the night, and the dead body of
that wife, while still warm, the pulsations
OF the heart having scarcely ceased beating,
was, by the confessions of this same hus-
ooa", WINS dON Wy hin W tic UcpLuS VI
Coal river hoping that its water might con-
ceal his dark deed-and all this, for the
sake Of a wanton. These facts were pro-
ven BY chain of exceedingly strong cir
cumstantial testimony, and by his own ad-
missions. Under these circumstances, his
nearest friends can but admit the business
of the verdict and acknowledge the su-
premacy Of the law. f
The prisoner was ably defended by Judge
McComas, J. G. Newman, and s. A. Mil
Ter, Esqs., who did al for him that coun-
sci could do. The plea Of insanity was
ably presented to the jury BY them.
We understand that a full report Of the
trial, including testimony, pleadings of
counsel, &C., will be published soon in
pamphlet form No trial in this section Of
the State, has ever excited more interest in
the community, than this Turkeys rela-
tives are extensive in this county, and the
connexions of the murdered wife are n,,-
merous in the adjoining county of Putnam
The aggravated circumstances under which
the murder was committed, the strong array
OF counsel on both sides, and the former
standing Of the prisoner, he having once
been Missionary Baptist preacher, all had
atendency TO increase this interest.