The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-01-30
MURDER IN A LUNATIC ASYLUM.
PATIENT BRAINS HIS COMPANION WITH A
RATCHET.

PATIENT BRAINS HIS COMPANION WITH a
RATCHET.
few years ago the attention Of the Commits
sioners Of Charities called TO the fact that 1t
was dangerous to leave any portable object within
reach OF the demented inmates or the Lunatc
Asylum on Backwell's Island and the circum-
stance was brought forcibly before their notice
through the publication in the columns OF the
HERALD OF the particulars OF the murder Of one
lunatic by another at the institution named. In
that case female patient beat cut her room
mates Drains with a utensii called "kId,n which
was lett IN the cell. Now the Kings County LII
matte Asylum brings to light another sanguInary
warning 10 the keepers OF such asyums against at
any time reposing confidence In the unfortunate
people consigned TO their care. The event in
question Is the killing by Stiles 5. Middle tOn man
about thirty-hve years Of age, OF Noble s. Benrett,
VINO was sixty years DID, The murder occurred
on thursday afternoon, but the authorities in
charge OF the asylum, with tnat natural aversion to
making public any occurrence that may reflect
upon themselves IN their management or admins
tration OF the trusts confided to lnem Kept the
matter rom the pubic as long possible. Yes
Jerday Coroner Simms was notified to hold an
quest, and, from his investigation, 1t appears that
tue afternoon In question stiles 5. Middleton, q
patient who has been Tor several mouths regarded
as perfectly harmless, and VINO was accordingly
OF the house. went TO the room OF ms keeper. Mr..
Govene, and attempted TO sneak away with a
small natehet when the Keeper asked MIN what
wanted II TO drive tack or two in his
room. The nurse refused to permit HIM
TO take 1t at the time, and the fellow,
who appeared quite calm ana reliable, walked
away, and shortly afterward returned TO
importune him to allow him the use OF the hatcnet.
Middleton went away with 1t, and soon after
turned and set 1t BY the size OF the door, Suisse
quently Mr. Govene went out, and no sooner had
ne turned his back than the lunatc again TOOK the
Ratchet and went TO his own apartment, where
Mr.. Noble ). Bennett, an lnO1ensive, gentlemanly
patient, was sitting. Both men ale said TO have
been on tue most intimate ana friendly terms,
and the idea OF the one attempting Violence to the
other never entered the mnds OF the nurses. The
lunatic Middleton, on returning to his room, 1t ~
supposed, for there Is no witness OF the occur
renee, without the least provocari0n, struck
MIR. Bennett with the Ratchet the head,
driving the snarp blade through the skull
and INTO the brain. He then walked back
with the hatcnet and LETT 1t where he had
found IL. Wnle gong through the corridors on
MS way back he was met by the keeper named
NOBLE Bennett, and think he IS hurt; you had
the room was Mortified to ind the old gentleman
struggling i'll his death agony. The doctor was
summoned, out could not prolong the LIE OF the
victim, VINO expired within an rour. The Coro-
ner's jury rendered o verdict In accordance with
the evidence. The deceased was the father OF
Rev. George >. Bennett. assistant minister at st.
Peters Episcopal church. in state street, Brook
Ign. the other patient. Stiles S. Middleton, Is q
son OF ex-Sherin Middleton, anu ne has been an
inmate OIL the asylum Tor the past three years.
He has been placed IN close confinement, and will
not be permitted 10 again room at large through
the hallway