The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-02-20
THE DEATH PENALTY.

EXECUTION YESTERDAY OF Ike HOOPER, THB
MURDERER OF HOWARD LArrERwu1TE, AT
AUdUsTA-THE FINAL scKNE-sKErCH OF
THE DETAILS OF THE CRIME-THE FATAL
RESULTS OF DRUNKEN BRAwL4
AUGUSTA. Ca, Feb. l9, 1874
Ike Hooper, colored man, was executed here
this morning, in the yard of the jail, for the MUIR
der OF Howard Lstterwhlte. The execution was
comparatively private, there not being more than
fifteen persons present as witnesses OF the dread
ful legal penalty. Among these, however, was
the father OF the condemned man, who
remained to the last, painful spectator
OF the dying agonies OF his sou. Dur.
ing the night Hooper slept for about an
hour and hall. At haipast seven O'Clock be
arose. and shortly afserward he attended service
In the chapel OF the jail, where mass was cele-
bra:ed by Father Lechncr. At ton O'Clock he was
brought down from his cell to the hall below.
Father Lechner prayed with him. He kissed the
cross, the Sheriff read the death warrant,
his arms were pinioned ana he was then
led to the scaf1od. lie assembled without
any assistance. When asked II he mad anything
to say he replied that ne had not. The fatal
moose was then adjusted around the neck
OF the wretched man; the black cap was lowered
over the face the priest aud Sheriff descended;
the bolt was withdrawn and In o few moments
Hooper had explated his crime by his death. The
body was suspended Tor thirty-three minutes, and
after a funeral service in the Catholic church was
buried IN the adjoining graveyard.
TIE CRIME.
On the night OF the 18th day of December, 1873
about halfpast eleven O'Clock, a coored man by
the name OF Howard Latterwhite was killed on
South Boundary street BY Ike Hooper,
also a negro. Latterwhite was a regular
member OF the band OF the Ogiethorpe Infantry;
Hooper was brass band musician, belonged to no
regular organization, but played whenever called
upon.
On the night in question both Lien had turned
out as volunteers III Gardeners Band, which went
to South Boundary street at the hour named Tor
the purpose Of serenadIng some coored
the band stopped at Johansen's barroom.
where Hooper drank freely OF wine: whiskey and
serenade the members OF II STATED back. when
Hooper became boistcrous and very disorderly.
He WANTED SATISFACTION.
Hooper said that there were tour or five damned
rascas in that band he Intended to have satislac-
ton out o.. The leader. Gardner, told him to
hush up or go home, to which he paid no atten-
ton, but became more disorderly than ever.
Several members demonstrated with him and
told him he ought To obey the leader but they In
turn we're abused by the now thoroughly infu-
rlated Hooper.
Finally Howard Latterwhite requested him to
step to one side, and there tiled TO calm him. In
few moments aitcrward all the members near
by heard Latterwhite exclaim, 40 Lord!I am MUIR
deredp' Upon running up tnev found him down
rents from wound III the neck. He was picked
up and carried TO his home on McKinne street ana
physician sent tor. The doctor found that dirk
had oeen thrust into his neck, ranging downward
and entering the lett lung He died about half
past one O'Clock.
FLIGHT OF HOOPER.
Alter the stabbng Hooper fed across the river
TO Graniteville. but upon the following day was
arrested, brought back and lodged in jail. At the
following April term Of the Richmond county su-
perior Court, the Grand Jury having re-
turned true bill he was duly tired
and convicted OF murder in the first
degree He was sentenced by the Court to death
in september; but his attorneys appealed the
case to the supreme court Of Georgia, ana upon
the day he was to die the case mad not been de-
cidcu. The Supreme Court did not reach 1t until
January, and affirmed the decision OF tue Court
below. Hooper was thereupon brought out and
again sentenced to death.
petition went up tue Governor last week.
numerousiy signed by white citizens, asking that
the penalty be reduced to imprisonment for lie.
The Governor sent despatch to the Sheriff telling
HIM to inform Hooper that he would not interfere,
and to prepare for. DEATH He was attended on
Monday by Catholic priest Hooper being mem.
Der OF that Church, and he has since been prepar-
ing TO meet his awful doom. The clergy have been
in almost constant attendance upon him since
his dreadful doom has been known 10 be inev-
ltab BILE.