The New York herald., 1868-04-02
COURT OF A9PEhLS-aiBkHy.
I.ancrsnn, the Wife Murderer.

The case CT Maurice I.anergan, the convicted wife
murderer, who now lies in the City Prison under
tence of DEATH was rea he'd ON Tuesday IN the Cours
of Appeals, argued, and the decision of the court
served. The public, in consequence OF the time
that has elapsed since the commission OF the mur-
der, have almost forgotten the and the
circumstances oi this melancholy tiugedy. 1he
prisoner was tried at the June term OF the Court
O General sessions, 1867, before Recorder Ilackctt,
upon an indictment for The mGr,ier OF his
wife. II appeared that l.anergan ana his wile
were OF intemperatc habits, and lived together
very unhappily. They occupied two rooms upon
the second noor of u tenement house, loo Washing
ton street, in this city The day OF the alleged
murder, the 26th Of March, 1867. the prisoner was
under the influence vi liquor and II appeared that
he took dinner at his wiie's sisters residence, AZ
which place, with oath, he threatened to Kill his
wife. About dusk friend of his who occupied an
adjoining room toSk him home, and upon his arrival
he threatened his wife and attempted 10 strike her.
Later he was seen by q little boy vino lived in the
same house beating his wife, After locking mis- door
hc left the building. About ten O'Clock in the even
ing the dead body OF his wife found IN his room,
having the appearance OF having been badly beaten.
There was aceraed wound ON the head besides
other wounds on thc body, and Oh the wall was
found cuts as II made by an axe; also STAINS of blood.
In the room was found an axe, on the blade and
handle OF which were s.aina OF blood ~ wei as on
the portion Of broken broom handle iounds In
the room. 1t appeared that after the prisoner left
his apartments hc had gone into liquor store In the
immediate vicinity aud spent the evening playing
cards. lie was there taken into custody, and upon
being interrogaled by the officers OF The law denied
that he had inflicted any Injuries upon his wife. lie
was FULLY committed by Coroner Schirmer to await
tho action Of the Grand Jury. Upon the
trial District Attorney a. Oakey Hail prose-
cuted on behalf OF the people and William Il. kint-
zrg and Charles >. spencer acted counsel for the
prisoner. The trial lasted nearly week. The pris-
oner was ably defended but the facts, as developed
upon the trial, pointed directly towards him IA the
guilty After careful and leng ny deliberaton by the
jury they found verdict gully ~ murder Ia he first
degree. District Attorney Hall moved for the judg-
nlent OF the court when ieccoricr nackcu, In very
Impressive manner, passed upon Lanergan the SEN
tcnce of DEATH directing that Ao be hanged the 9th
day OF August following. During tho trial counsel
for the prisoner took a number cf exceptions ~ The
ruiing vi the Recorder, upon which they succeeded
In obtaining from one Uf the Justices OF tic SUI
prclne Court writ OF error ana stay OF eN-
eculion which, being served upon the Sheriff,
stayed the execution oi the law until the case was
reviewed by the appellate courts. Before the
rendering oi the Iina decision in the Court or APP
peals Lanergan Will have been year under sen
tece OF death, during Whch time he has been l1car
cerated In the CITY Prison under the charge OF war
den Coulter. His conduct during his confinement
mas been unexceptionable. lie says nc has great
hopes OF obtaining new trial. beileylnp that great
injustice has been done to him by the CONVICTION
Lanergan IN by birth au lfishnan, about thig
years Of age, large In stature, but well propOrtoned
In conversation he Is very communicative, but rather
reserved in his manners. lie has the appearance Of
that has not suffered In health in Consequence
Of his long confinement. A decision will De rendered
In the In The early part of the next term Of the
Court OF Appeals, which meets la the latter part OF
the month OF June.