The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-04-19
THE SHEFFL|N WIFE SLAUGHTER.

Tho Trial Ended and the Prisoner Sem
toncod to Prison for Life-Verdict OF
Msnsla lighter I'm the Second Degree
Tho Scene I'm Court.
At eight O'Clock last night the jury In the Shefiin
wife murder case, not having yet agreed, were
escorted down stairs to an ante-room OF the
Court, where their supper had been previously
spread for them; and, after occupying three quar-
ters Of an hour in the eating OF it, they again re-
turned to the jury room.
The prisoner meanwhile remained under tho
guard OF the Deputy Sherirs in the chamber ad-
jacent to the court room and preserved the stolid
and stubborn department which had characterized
him during the afternoon.
WAITING FOR THE VERDICT.
In the court room small number OF reporters,
the counsel for the prisoner and few idle specta-
tors sat wrapped in the semt-gloom which was
relieved by only one or two dimly lighted
jets OF gas; but the hours of waiting,
which seemed TO drearily multiply were
grimly enlivened by saes of humor and the
preparation OF unsuccessful practical jokes in
which the learned cOunsellors for the defence were
seriously implicated. Judge Brady appeared at
about halfpast ten, and about quar-
ter before eleven the jury sent him
communication announcing that they had
agreed. The next step was then to md
DAobilCt AttOIucy THclpS VI Ouc VI dSSlSUduCS,
and messengers were accordingly despatched
to summon him. Surmises were widely in
dict. and the general opinion was that it
second degree. The prisoners folly in refusing to
plead the third degree Of mansaughter was Sc
verey commented on by the lawyers about the cor
ridors and seemed to be looked upon as q fatal
mistake. Counsellors Howe and Hummel
we, were in earnest conference during an
prisener from the arst momene since
the jury had retired. Mr.. Valentine, the Crier Of
and to nS sHy o
the gentlemen attached to the District Attorneys
ONCE, ana Judge Brady then determined to open
Court without any further ceremony.
THE VERDICT.
The prisoner was brought into Court at i've min
Of tn
ately after entered and took their seats Their
faces were eagerly scanned BY the counsel for the
turned his head and seemed unconscious us' Of
who sat upon the bench With his head bowed upon
his hand. Mr.. Sparks addressed the prisoner and
the jury, bidding them rise and look upon each
his gaze rom the Judge. Mr.. sparks then asked
the foreman II verdict had been agreed upon, and
was answered In the Affirmative.
What do you find the prisoner, guilty or not
equity Of murder in the second degree"
The surprise Occasioned by this announcement
was 80 great that it was followed by . dead
silence The verdict was then reanirmed by the
polling OF each juror, and the Judge arose to
perform his last duty. He impressively and kindly
asked the prisoner II he had anything to say why
the sentence Of the law should not be passed upon
him, but Sheffin did not seem to hear
him. Mr.. Howe leaned toward him and said
something, whereupOn he turned and inquired
somewhat sharply as II just awakened out OF q
stupOr "What dye sayyu
The Clerk meanwhile receiving instructions from
the Judge asked Of shefiin II he knew any trade.
and he again started as disturbed. but answered
that he was q plaSterer.
Mr.. Howe then arose and addressed His Honor,
with an earnest appeal for mercy.
THE SENTENCE STATE PRISON FOR LIFE.
Judge Brady sat moment in silence, and then
slowly arose, and, with affecting solemnlty, deiv-
cred the sentence-'T sentence you to imprison-
meat for life."
There was lutter OF agitation in the Court, and
the little son or Shefilin, who sat behind his
fathers back sobbed violently. The pris-
oner's face had flushed on hearing the SEN
tence, but he had again sunk into apparent
Inconsistencies. In reply to question Of
his counsel, he again responded vaguely, "What
dye sayS" and then said, 81 am satisfied The
GRIEF OF his child seemed now to touch him. and
he turned round suddenly and exclaimed, tom
myl" and then to the persons around him, Don't
let him cry so; take him out Of the room" Subse-
quently In the ante-chamber still more affecting
scene OF parting took place between the father and
son.
Judge Brady discharged the jury, and the con-
victed prisoner was taken to the Tombs by Deputy
sheriff Shields