New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1860-03-05
TRIPLE HOMICIDE IN HENRY CO., Va.
THREE BROTHERS INSTANTLY KILLED
THREE OTHER MEN SHOT AND WOUNDED.

THREE OTHER MEN SHOT AND WOUNDED.
FROM The Petsrsbsrg EsDrsH, FebyHayy29
The usually quiet and law-sbiding people Of the
county Of Heary have been intensely excited for the
past three four DAYS in consequence of terrible
raeedy-or rssher triple tragedythat was enacted in
their midst on Saturday last The particulars reached
ma Last evening through source entirely reliable, The
details although not as full we shall doubtless be
enabled 70 give at early day sufficient 70
a thrill Of horror az their mere recital.
Ii Appears according TO the version given u.s. that
some yesrs since q granddaughter of the venerable
and talented Vincent Wit,her, eeq., OF Pittsylvana
County marrieda gentleman from the adjoining Coun-
~ of Henry, whose name was Clemmsns. His Chris
ian name we have been unable TO ascertain. The
nsden name of Dir. Witcher's granddaughter was
Smith The parties lived happily together until about
eighteen months sDce when, upon the most unfounded
IuspiciOns as we have been informed, Mr.. Clemmens
desired separation from his wife, and I'm nedia!ely
Instituted proceedings for divorce at the same me
mpeaching her honor rs the grounds for his course
Last Saturday was set apart for the taking OF dspos
tons and toe parties met at magistefl precinct IN
Henry County.
Mr.. Witcher appeared to defend the suit and protsct
the honor of his granddaughter
The taking Of the dispositions progressed, and after
lhe plaintiff had finished with witness, Mr. Wilcher
asked question, which greatly exasperated the has
band Mr. Clemens. He Immediately arose, drawing
pistol st the time, and fred at Mr.. Witcher:
Mr. Witeher, il seems also roee, and drew pistol
frem his pocket, and as the ball OF his antagonist
grazed around the abdomen. he fred, striking Glenn
mems in the forehead, and killing him instantly.
A nephew OF Mr.. WIlcner, ana a mr.. omtui
brother Of Mrs. Clemmens, hearing the firing, rushed
into the room. brother Of Mr. Clemens, who had
also been attracted by the pistol reports fired at
nephew Of Mr.. Witcher, the ball taking effect, and
producing it is feared fatal wound. Upon SEEING
bis nel hew shot, Mr. Vincent Witcher again fired,
striking Cemmens No. 2, and killing him instantly:
At this stage Of the sangunary affair, MIR. Smith,
brother Of Mrs. Clemmens, drew q bowie knife but
had scarcely unsheatbed the blade when he was Tired
upon by second brother of Clemmens the ball taking
effect in the shoulder and producing painful wound
Infatuated by his wound Mr.. Smith rushed upon bis
antagonist and with powerful thrust OF the knife
completely djeemboweled Cemmens No. ), the unfor
tunate man falling dead on the spot.
Three of the parties dead and the other three all
wounded. the horrible tragedy here ended.
Vincent Witchsr esq the chief actor IN this terrible
sfair. is widely known throughout Virginia. he
served for many years in the lower House OF the
Iegsature and subsequently, represented his District
"a the State Senate with signal ability. He 10 prom
inent member Of the Wing party, aud his name mas
been repeatedly mentioned in connection win tce OF
fee of Governor Of the Commonwealth lie succeed
Cd Withheld p TuDstan, upon the death OF that gen
uemaD. as President Of the Richmond and Danvlle
Railroad After two years service he resigned tne
Presidency of the road and has since been engaged IN
the practice of his professionalism OF q lawyer.
Orr informant states that throughout this palnIol
suit which Mr. Witcher believes TO have been lnst'-
ted against an innocent granddaughter he mas acleo
with great forbeaTanee and the part he has been COM
RELIED finally to act will be with none source OF
deeper regret than himseit. 10,
OF course the whole matter will undergo judicial
Investigation.