The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-06-17
I Reach, NJ D.. Coroner Keenan's deputy who found
that death resulted from wounds Ia the breast
The Houston street Murder.

The Houston Street Murder.
At three O'Clock yesterday morning Captain
hurphy, OF the Eleventh precinct arrested Edward
Kurtland, alias Curtin alias Curtis. who fatally
stabbed James Duffy. in a saloon at the corner OF
Houston and Goerck streets The facts OF the
tragic occurrence have already been published,
and it is not necessary to recapitulate them
now. Duny was conveyed to the station
house on a stretcher, but died in a
few minutes after he had reached there.
When the news was telegraphed TO Police Head
quarters a general alarm was sent out to all the
stations, and orders were given that strict watch
should be kept for the prisoner in the precincts.
Kurtiand is very well known to the police and his
character is by no means good. All the men who
were familiar with his face were instantly put
upon his track, the Captain believing that II he
was not promptly captured he would not be cap
tured at all. Some weeks ago Kurtand procured
position as conductor on the Second ave
nue. line, but he lost his job on Sunday.
Captain Murphy, hearing that Kurtand had two
sisters living on Rodney street, Williamsburg,
started over there with two men, thinking that
this would be the first place IN which the prisoner
would take refuge When the Captain came to the
house he climbed up tree, and looking into the
window OF the house, saw a young man, the
brother OF the prisoner sitting in q room. 1t was
at first supposed that IL was the prisoner himself,
but Captain Murphy was not sure OF his identity,
TWO MEN IN CHARGE OF THE HOUSE.
while be himself started for New York. When ne
returned to the city he ascertained That Kurt
land had boarded IN q house on the corner OF SIX
ty-eighth street and Second avenue. The Captain
took man and went up to the house, where he
time before carrying a bundle AS Kurt
land was not known along the river front the
had given HIM the slip and got OF on one OF the
canal or river boats. lie, however, succeeded In
tracing Kurtland to the depot where he was re-
warded by seeing his man sitting, talking with
conductor in q car that was waiting to go out
The prisoner was greatly surprised but he took his
arrest in good part and, saying cap know what
You want me for" held out his wrists for the hand
CUTS, which Captain Murphy produced from his
While the Captain was taking the prisoner down
TO the station house III the cars the latter said that
what he did was done in selfdetence. He says he
went into Hughes store and saw two men nghting.
He went between and asked them to desist, saying
1t was shame to have row on Sunday night. He
that he trea to 'ue get away ss'eh from him. but
could not, screen at his back prevent,
ing am He says he found himself n 80 hard nd
stab Duffy but he disclaims all Intention OF killing
him. lie told Captain Murphy where he had thrown
the knife: and an sflcer found 1t IN the place he
indicated. superintendent Matseli complimented
Captain Murphy yesterday morning on the promp
itude with which the arrest was made
A HERALD reporter had short conversation
with the prisoner yesterday in his cell. He is an
GOOD LOOKING YOUNG FELLOW,
having fine fresh color and a rather progresses
ing face. He was respectfully dressed, and does
says that had it not been for the companions with
whom the prisoner associated he would never
have been in the plight IN which he now is having
formerly borne O very fair character. He
was very reserved, and said he had no.
thing TO say about the tragedy except
what he had told the sergeant at the desk He says
he acted entirely in self-delence ana had not the
slightest intention OF killing DUFFY. He has an
nonnced his intention to employ William F. Howe
to defend him. The inquest will be held by C0ro-
nor Keenan,, in the Eleventh ward station house.
The character OF the house in when the occur
renee took place is bad, and like many others in
the ward, it wants cleaning out