Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-05-12
Thursday, Nay IL, 1881.
| before The BAR.
| he Second Days Proceedings in
| the Murder Trial.
Merrills Several Confessions
of His Crime.
his SISTERS SAD STORY.
Was Merrill Under the Influ-
ence Of Liquor
When He Killed His Mother d?
Did He Have an Accomplish
in the Bloody Act2
THE DEFENCE BEGUN.
~ H. "a
THE DEFENCE BEGUN.
Mr.. Farr Claims it to be a Case
Of Manslaughter.
MERRILL TO Be PUT ON THE STAND
THIS MORNING.

Yesterday was the second day of the trial
of Charles F. Merrill of China for the murder
Of his mother, Deborah Merrill, at Weeks
Mills, on Saturday, February 10Th. large
times was very dramatic. The aisles were
crowded with men and women standing. and
a file of spectators stretched down the granite
stairs from the doorway. The room was still
as death at times, as the testimony was of
unusually interesting nature. The prisoner
still maintained his stolid appearance, al
though once he was affected to tears.
WV. PERCIvAL CALLED.
am postmaster at Weeks Mills. Merrill
Was brought to my house on Saturday, Feb
uary &c. Was in the room when Merrill
confessed to Mr.. Libby.
Cross Eramined.-Mr. Libby came to my
house to dinner on Sunday. lie took Charles
into the parlor and talked with him some
fifteen or twenty minutes before dinner. He
came out and said that Charles had wilted
he could get confession from him. After
dinner Mr.. Libby took Merrill into the par
lor again. In q short time he came to the
door and said, "Charles wants to see you"
Invent into the room. Charles put his arm
over nv shoulder, and we walked some five
six feet away from Mr.. Libby. He talk
ed to me few moments in low tone of
voice. then turned to Mr.. Libby and said,
Charles SAYS that he killed his mother. y
Merrill was weeping when l went into the
room. He did not appear to be very much
excited. asked him if he wouldn't feel bet
Yer, if he committed the act, to acknowledge
The CONFESSION.
The evidence up to this point has been cir
nmstantiis The line of Mr.. Fairs de-
fence was 20 prove that Merrill was subject
Cd to undue influence when making his con-
lesion, and the confession should not he ad'
nitted in court. There was no evidence thai
The confession by Merrill was not free and
Voluntary
WIN. H. LIBBY RECALLED.
By Mr.. Heath.-State what Merrill told
you in the presence of VIM. Percival.
Mr. Far.-I object.
The Cour.-State the grounds of your
sbection.
A. Farr-In the 10th Massachusetts,
'nlch the court has already cited, it says thai
confession extorted by threats or by 1atter'
nsand improper offers made by an officer
wall be excluded. What was said by
.@fies Merrill was said by him while he was
much physical condition, brought on by
!. Libby, that his statements made at thai
4le are not admissible in this court. lie
~ In fainting condition, from fear ant
1su Mr.. Libby's conduct.
county Attorney Heath took opposite
aeands. The Court overruled Mr.. Farr''
sections. Mr.. Farr took exceptions to thu
1ns' Witness then proceeded to testify.
AHer had been alone with Merrill SOM
- after dinner, he asked if had any OBJ
10 Mr.. Percival coming into t"'
!. said that had not, and caile'
Merrill was sobbing. said, "Di'
nii your mother, Charles?" He said
asked him "when?" He said OF
saturday night when he came back from
ais, in the barn. He said that h
ner twice ON the back part of tn
-, s"n hammer. The first blow did no
and she asked, s.Did you strike me
He hit her again, and she fell up
noor dead. He concealed the body il
aow. He said that he had no mo
me act, although he cherished
q. -eA'nst her for taking down his be-
rs eeeaase be voted the greenbacl
= Sunday b chopped ~ body ap
y = took H. BODY undef ioed 9