The New York herald., 1874-11-07
THE ELECTION DAY MURDER.

Coroner Croker nc the orkville Police
Court-He Procurss . Warrant for
James O'Brien.
The great event at the Yorkvire Police Court
yesterday morning was the arraignment OF
Richard Croker, one OF the four Coroners OF this
city and county, who came to Court accompanied
by Captain Irving, In whose custody he was, John
Kelly, Colonel Fellows and Coroner Volt
man, who entered the Court almost un-
observed. They went direct to the Judges
private room, where they awaited His Honor's
pleasure. At this Court the regular police returns
take precedence OF all other business. no matter
how important, and these having been disposed
OF Judge Murray opened Court in his private room
for the hearing OF Mr.. Croker's case. Ex-Sherin
James O'Bren, the complainant, was not present.
1t viii be remembered that the complaint entered
against the defendant was simply one for felonious
assault on John McKenna. His death having since
occurred the present charge merges into that OF
murder or completely therein, upon which the
defendants, John Sheridan and the two
Hickeys have been arrested and held to
bail by Coroner Woltman in $50, 600 each. This
view OF the matter having been presented to the
Court by Colonel Fellows his Honor replied that
II af1lavIs were made proving the demise OF the
person named, John McKenna, mentioned in the
anldavir OF the complainant, Mr.. O'Brien, he
would turn the matter over into the hands OF
ingly made by Coroner Woltman and others.
COMPLAINT AGAINST o'BRIEN.
The charge against Coroner Croker having been
disposed OF by being turned over TO Coroner Volt
man, Mr. John Kelly inquired OF the Court con-
corning the charge by James O'Brien ior ieonious
assault against George Hickey. The latter, Mr..
KelIy said, is q clerk in the Superior Court, and t
is not easy for him TO be present when the Court
might want him, but IL q day and hour was set
iDsf m no
would be present.
The Court SAID that until the accused was be-
fore him In the regular way he would take no
action whatever regarding the case.
Coroner Wotman said he supposed that
Court replied that he did not Know, but
he supposed L the gentleman was dead
care OF him as he has done OF his friend, poor
Mckenna. The party then arose from their chairs
Would not be- proper for the Coroner 10 tsse out
warrant for the arrest OF James O'Bren. The
Court acquiesclng,
Richard Croker, Of No s.z Lexington avenue, being
Ss ame, S m Sas ,,s sau nd
nar n % sas M wH hs
the said q Brien be appre hended and bound
the above and hHsSSSSEans
warrant was then issued and placed in the
hands OF Captain Irving, who will make return
TO 1t as soon as possible.
The party then left the Court Coroner Croker of
course being at liberty he having already gwen
bonds Tor MS appearance at the inquest On
McKenna.
Coroner Croker mt His ONCE.
About eleven O'Clock yesterday morning Coroner
Croker appeared at the Coroner's Office. at the
corner OF Mulberry and Houston streets He de-
MED most emphaticaly that he had been keeping
out OF the way to avoid arrest, on the charge OF
completely in the McKenna murder as had been
reported by some OF the New York journals. The
Coroner said he mad been before Justice Murray,
OF the Yorkville Police Court, who withdrew the
warrant which day or two since had been
issued Tor his arrest.
In relation to the shooting OF MeKenna Coroner
Croker denied knowing anything whatever about
it, and reiterated what he had positively asserted
before, that he had no pistol in his possession on
the morning OF the fatal occurrence; that he
never carried a pistol in his lite, which he would
be able to prove by competent Witnesses
The Coroner admits striking O'BrieD twice in
the lace with his fist, Immediately after which
promlscous discharge OF pistols commenced, and
alter the shooting was over he saw Mckenna lying
on the sidewalk. be further asserts that O'Brien,
with gang or outlaws, was roaming through that
up the polling booths and destroying the ballots or
/ his competitor, in order tnat he (O'Brien) might
receive the certificate OF election. Mr.. Croker
seems to have entire confidence OF establishing
his innocence during the investigation before
Coroner Woltman, which is named for Monday
morning next.
Coroner Woltman has summoned about thirty
witnesses to testify in the matter, and there may
be others to come forward and give their testi-
mony