The New York herald., 1871-03-06
Is 1T A MURDER 2

A Youth Killed in Catharine streer-AileGed
Clubbing by mn Ofacer-Coroner Keenan's
Investigation.
Quite an excitement was created in the Fourth
ward yesterday morning by the circulation Of
report that John Murphy, youth OF nineteen
years, late OF liz Henry street, had been dubbed
to death by an officer. Sergeant Kelly,
OF the Fourth precinct, duly reported the matter to
Coroner keenan,, who, late in the day. commenced
an investigation, from which 1t appeared that soon
after two O'Clock on Sunday morning Murphy, John
DAILY, OF 7o2 East Ninth street; John Hanlon 81
East Eighth street. and Dennis Mooney, living
at 20 Canal street--all young men under
twenty years Of a9e-were drunk and dis
orderly on the seventh ward side Of Catherine
street near Madison. A seventh precinct officer on
duty near by ordered them to keep quiet and move
on as they were disturbing the pubic peace. Tho
youthful inebriates then started up Catharine street.
during which Murphy crossed over on the Fourth
while his (Murphy's) associates remained on the
other eide. on reaching the corner of East
and used profane and obscene language to the Sew
enth ward officer then approaching, ana threatened
to put head on him ne dld not mind MS BUS,
an advance movement murphy ran across the street.
aaa Tn running Y wsr
side), came In violent collision with sroop ana fell
heavily on the pavement. In few moments
as also did oiiiicers from tae sixth ana Seventh
precincts, who heard Murphy cry out as he fell to
the sidewalk. The above in substance, is the state
cinct and he believes his version OF the affair VIII
be corr0borated In oil important particulars by
other officers. Tw0nlly said, when he came up 20
Murphy he tosk MIN by the coat collar and
told him to get ~ when so ne replied lnat ne
not dubbed at al as there seemed TO be no occasion
for IT, Murphy struggled and showed slight resist
ance when In the hands or the police but was easily
managed without rcsorng to violence. The officers
carried Murphy short distance when ne Was
placed i'll wagon found in the street and taken TO
the station house, 349 Pearl street. but dead on
reaching there or died Immediately after adnis-
company with deceased appeared at the station
house and stated they aad seen Murphy accosted
and beaten; that Que Oh the officers struck him on
the bacS with his club. These men were accord.
the matter should be thoroughly investigated.
POST MORTEA EXAMINATION
Deputy Coroner wooster Beach, N: d., made
post mortem examination on the. deceased,
slightly enlarged, but most OF The other
internal organs were in healthy condition except
the stomach, which was intensely congested, and
strong liquor.
On opening the skull the brain was found much
congesJed from the effects OF liquor, and there was
slight extravasation OF blood apparent. This
ceased striking hls head against large
surface, and might have been caused
ty falling on tho pavement Dr.. Beach would nst
like TO say positively that the brain not injured
wound, doubtless the fatal violence was received In
some other way.
Deceased was q machinist, and is said to have
been employed in Singers sewing machine manu-
factory, fcot of Delancey street, East river.
Coroner Keenan, postponed the 1nqulsition till
Tuesday, at his ONCE, In the City Hall.