Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1859-06-02
Escape Of IN Alleged Lunatic.
MURDER OF HIS SISTER.

On Thursday night last, a man named Pat
rick Maud, formerly of Newark, but who for
the past year has been confined in the State
Lunatic Asylum, at Trenton, succeeded in ef
f%ecting his escape from that institution by re-
moving the gratings from the window of his
cell. The Warden of the Asylum te~legraphed
to Chicf-of Police Whitney Of Newark, to keep
a sharp look out for Maud, as he would I'M
doubtedly make his way to that place for the
purpose of carrying ont his oft-reapeated threat
to murder his wife, Judge Haines, the Rev.
father Calian, and Cortlandt Parker, the State
prosecuting attorney.
1t appears that some years since Maud was
married to a widow woman, and each of them
possessing some property, it was merged to-
gether and placed under the control of the
wife, Eventually much difficulty occurred be-
tween Maud and his wife in Consequence OF
his unsuccessful attempt to get control of the
property, amounting to several thousand dol
lars. About a year since Maud, who has the
reputation of having a very violent and vicious
disposition, attempted to murder his wife by
shooting, but missed his aim and the ball
grazed her arm. lie was arrested aud tried
for attempted murder before Judge Haiues, at
which Cortlandt Parker acted as prosecuting
attorney, and the wife as a witness.
The Jury failed to convict, on the ground
Chat they believed Maud was insane, and he
was accordingly sent to the Asylum, swearing
to take the lives of the person. above named
Chlef-of-Police Whitney, stationed officers
at the houses of Judge Haines, Mr.. Parker,
and that Of Father Callan, for protection and
also notified the Police Department to be on
the lookout and arrest Maud if he should
make his appearance. He was not aware
that Maud had any other relatives in the city,
and consequently could not avert the murder
which followed.
From the testimony it appears that Maud
went directly to the house Of his sister, Mary
Torbett, the wife of a grocer, and while she
engaged in conversation with a female custom
er in reference to his escape, lie deliberately
fired the contents of a double-harreled pistol
One ball took effect in the heart, and the 9th.
er passed through the right breast, coming
out at the back. Maud then made his escape
and threw the pistol over into a yard, where
it was found yesterday.
Maud was arrested about 10 o'clock Satur
day night, he was brought before the coroner
and jury, handcl fed, and made the Glowing
voluntary statement after eing informed thai
he was at liberty to answer such questions as
were put to him Or not:
my name is Patrick Maud; / have had
no permanent place of abode since my proper
ty YVES sold; | left Ne, q k and went t,
Bethlehem, in the State of Pennsylvania; and
while there my life was attempted, and ! then
returned to the city Of Newark. So, n after
| returned, l committed n assault on my wife.
In answer to the charge as to the killing a
Mary Turbett. | plead not guilty and deem
it not necessary, at this time. to say anything
more in regard to the ,ffair-as the proper
time to say anything will be when it comes be-
lere the court, as there the witnesses in my
behalf will be produced"