The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-07-15
THE MEkROSE MURDER.
Trial Of Lawrence Erhardt for the Killing Of John
Morrison in westchester county-Unusual
Interest Surrounding the Case-story
Of the Crime-Empanelling
Jury-A Cool Witness and
What He Saw.


At special term OF the Court Of Oyer and Ter
miner, commenced in White Plains westchester
county, yesterday, and presided over by Justice
Pratt, County Judge Clifford and the Justices Of
Sessions, Lawrence Erhardt was placed trial for
the murder OF John Morrison. The crime with
which the prisoner stands charged was perpe-
trated at Melrose, town Of Morrsania, on the
night OF the 9th Of April last, and was fully
reported in the HERALD at the time.
1t will, perhaps, be remembered that
the deceased, who was young man about twenty
five years OF age, had been trespassing on Erhardts
premises at . late hour Of the night, and that
while doing 80 he was attacked by the prisoners
dog. Being an ex-nreman, the deceased repaired
to an engine house, few yards distant, and,
having armed himself with the eompany's trumpet,
returned with the intention of '4aying out" the
dog. While attempting this latter feat, however,
the accused emerged from the rear OF his house
into the yard. where a struggle ensued, during
which Erhardt plunged
A sHARP-PoINrED BREAD-KNIFE
into MorrisOn's neck, severing the jugular vein,
from the effects of which death ensued In short
time.
Despite the intense heat which prevailed yester-
day the court room was crowded almost to sufYocar
ton by the friends ana countrymen OF the prs-
oner. as well as those of the deceased, who was
atmosphere the excitement consequent upon the
trial would seem TO run In
THE GROOVE OF NATIONALITY,
the Germans evincing decided interest in the
fate Of their unfortunate countryman, for whose
defence they have, 1t fs said already contributed
handsome amount. Among the trends Of the III
lated young man the feeling against Erhardt is in
tense, most Of them protesting themselves san.
guine Of conviction for the highest crime known
to the law. The prisoner is about forty years old,
a square-but, heavy-browed, coarse-featured man
and presents rather repulsive appearance AS his
knowledge Of the English language is extremely
limited, he appeared to take but little interest in
the proceedings. District Attorney Briggs con-
Quoted the prosecution, Messrs. Francis Larkn,
Gustavus Levy and James Il. Angel appearing Tor
the prisoner.
EMPANELLINa A JURY.
The greater part Of the day was consumed in the
tedious process OF empanelling jury, three
O'Clock in the afternoon having arrived before the
sanS sse NUMBER ns names ss Sa ss Tns sUS
g. stevens, White Plains; :. Gould Scott,
jamin Kitlerick, CORTLAND; John Rae Morrisania;
Smith orser, Ossining; Samuel jackson, Somers;
Farms; Elijah G. sniaen, White Plains; James Msss
Meeks, RYE, and David J. Burtiss, Mamaroncck.
TESTIMONY FOR TIE PROSECUTION.
The first witness called by the prosecution was
Charles 0'Neil, who, having been sworn, testified
as folows:-l live at Morrsanla; have resided
ton; knew the deceased recolect the night OF the
9th OF April last; saw deceased on that night
in the engine house OF Fleetwood Engine
that night, the second alarm occurring after eleven
O'Clock; saw the deceased In the engine house
about the last named hour; there werc quite q
same time; dece6Sed came in WIN SOMEBODY else
had been acquainted with deceased for about q
month previous to that night; deceased, after
making remark, went out OF the engine house
and returned in few minutes; he went out again
almost Immediately; saw him after this on Union
street there diagram OF the scene of the tragedy
was produced and Identified by the wltness); he
was standing by Erhardt's gate and leaning across
the fence on Union street; Erhardt was
INSIDE OF THE GATE;
was IN the aeyW hy on the other side o. the
street, where the men were, and saw that they
were scuflllng across the fence; was in the act or
going towards them when man sung out that lie
would blow my brains out II went near them;
looked up and saw man at window on the OPP
posite side OF the street; the next time saw the
deceased he passed me on the sidewalk going to-
house; deceased walked to the engine house, and
parties came out and halooed that
DECEASED WAS STABBED;
went to Erhardts house and looked in at one OF
the rear windows; Erhardt was talking German;
saw knife In his hand he stuck the knife in
the table; the window was open at the time stood
went back to the engine house; deceased was
gone then; had seen him 60 home before this;
there was blood on his forehead and neck; he was
alive at his house. about hall an hour Afterwards;
when next saw him he was dead.
prOtracted crosse Examination did not in the
least shake the positive testimony OF the witness
caused occasional bursts OF merriment among the
spectators.
Alter the usual caution by the Court the jury
until this morning.