The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1866-12-27

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LOCAL MATTERS.
A BLOODY TRAGEDY AT CHESTERFIELD
PARE.-We chronicle this morning shock
ing murder which occurred on Tuesday a
Chesterfield Park, the difficulty originating
between Jesse A. Murphy and John Kell!
(the latter from Baltimore) in connection
with race between "Flyaway" snt
"Jeff. DAYS." and ending in the death o
the former. 1t appears from the evi
dence adduccd before the inquest and tn,
magistrates court that the slightest enmity
had never existed between the parties, wht
met each other perhaps for the first time {
few hours prior to Murphy receiving the
fatal shot, which took effect near the innel
corner OF the left eye, passing out the bach
part of his head, killing him almost in
stantly. There were only two shots fired
the first struck deceased on the hip, which
caused him to fall, and was followed imme
dately by the second shot, and that by
blows from pistol. The testimony before
the magistrate corresponded with that We
give below. The prisoner was sent on tt
the next county court of Chesterfield.
ne COTOUtES IulutSl ONSi VIC 'VtJ vi
Murphy was held at Chesterfield Park OF
Yesterday, Colonel Marmaduke johnson
of this city, appearing as counsel for the
prisoner. The following evidence was
taken:
Timothy Flynn, soldier, company +
Twentieth United States infantry, sworn
Was about five rods from the parties when
the difficulty commenced. After the first
shot was fired, saw Kelly strike Murphy
with pistol. Murphy said "Joe Kelly,
don't kill me.'' WhenI came up, Murphy
was gasping. The crowd then gathered
and pronounced the affair fatal. got on
my horse, and went TO police station in
Richmond, and gave information of the
shooting.
Mr.. d. +. Ward said the origin Of the
difficulty was the race between Mr.. ID. 7
Harvey's "Flyaway" and j. S. Tyler's
"Jeff. Davis" The race was first fixed
for December 10Th, but the day not being
favorable, was postponed until the next
fair dav, when the track should be in good
order. Witness here produced the con
tract between Harvey and Tyler.l The
parties then agreed to refer the matter tC
Messrs. Westcott and BlankinShip, who
should fix the day for the race, and they
selected Christmas. Witness telegraphed
to Harvey at Danvllc to come down, rs the
race must take place on Christmas morn
ing. Witness met Harvey crossing the
bridge to Chesterfield on Christmas morn
ing, and on returning from town he
again met him going to Richmond. Wit
ness, who was responsible as stake
holder, informed Harvey of the conditions
Of the race and asked him to put up his
money. Harvey gave his word OF honor
that the money should be forthcoming by
| o'clock, when he would be at the track
| continued then to the track, and waited
for Harvey to come, at o'clock, which he
failed to do. Upon this consultation
was held, and it was agreed that the race
should take place. WestC0tt then asked
me if | could send for his wagon, to which
Flyaway could be put; called a boy tc
start for wagon, and then continued around
the track in conversation with friend
about race; Murphy jumped down in the
track, caught hold of Tyler's horse which
he (Nurphy) had no interest in, and com
menced abusing everybody in very severe
language, saying they were I'D scoun'
drels, thieves, and liars"
At this instant Kelly I think spoke tc
him in a friendly manner, and tried tc
stop his abusive language. AS well as
can recolect, Murphy called Kelly a
I'D Irish thief" and started towards
him to fight him. | think Murphy said
"I will whip you." Kelly was on the
bank, in the crowd; Murphy was down in
the track, which is about fifty feet wide
As Murphy started towards Kelly the lat.
ter drew his pistol and shot Murphy; as
soon as Murphy saw Kelly draw his pistol
he turned and ran to his buggy to get his
pistol as he got across the track Kelly
fired and followed him; Murphy went to.
wards his buggy behind the judges stand
but before he reached the vehicle he wa;
hid from my sight; Kelly afterwards
brought Murphy's pistol out; heard the
shot, and rushed to stop the difficulty; or
reaching Murphy found he was shot III the
head; there was no doubt but that Murphy
had pistol in his buggy Murphy let &c
the horse which he was .holding, wher
Kelly spoke to him and advanced toward:
him kelly for fight two shots were
fred the first struck Murphy in the back
and the other in the face. Witnesses the
ory was that when the second shot wa!
fired, Murphy must have secured his pisto
from his buggy and was returning towards
Kelly, but Kelly fired first, and then took
Murphy's pistol from him.
Immediately after the second fire, which
witness did not see, came fast from be
hind the Judges stand, where the bugg!
was, with Murphy's pistol, and remarked
to the crowd: Here is Murphy's pistol.
Witness thought Kelly had given Murph.
no provocation. Kelly's manner in speak
ing to Murphy about his violent abuse to
wards everybody on the ground was con
ciliatory and friendly. Thought they were
both friends.
Daniel Shields (youth) deposed.-Wa
close by when Murphy and Kelly passe'
the conversation. They were on the park
Saw Kelly 90 up the hill, snap his fingers
and call Murphy "son of b-h." MUIR
phy then went after him, when Kelly drew
pistol. Upon seeing this. Murphy re
treated towards his buggy, but witness die
not know for what purpose. Kelly theI
shot at Murphy as he was crossing the track
Murphy called for pistol, and started 10
buggy. Kelly followed Murphy behin'
the stand. Heard second shot, turned
around, saw Kelly beating Murphy ION HI
knees) over head with pistol. Was abou
thirty feet of. Didn't see Murphy get nj
pistol and don't know whether reached bug
gy before Kelly fred second time. Don
think Murphy called for his pistol until trs
shot. Came to track with Murphy in Mount
castles wagon. Didn't see Kelly at any tim
with more than one pistol. Didn't know ho'
rnany blows Kelly struck Murphy with but
of pistol. Several persons present hat
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