Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-04-14
The Hamilton Murder Trial.

In the Special Criminal Court, Judge Hagner,
the trial OF Charles Hamilton, colored, for the
murder OF George A. Hill, coored, on the night OF
september 20th last, was continued yesterday
after our report closed-Dlstrct Attorney Corkhill
and Assistant District Attorney Taggart for the
government and Messrs. c. Maurice Smith and T.
F. Miller for the prisoner
Lieut. johnson Identified the pistol as one turned
over to him by man who came to the second
precinct station about O'Clock in the morning OF
September Goth, and said he had shot a man i'm
sell defence.
WI. Dunavin, property clerk. testified to the
pistol being turned over to him.
Lewis Keys testified that he saw Hamilton shoot
Hill and run away
Ihe court then adjourned
CLOSING TESTIMONY FOR THE GOVERNMENT.
The first witness to-day was w. III. Robertson, o
414 street, uncle OF deceased who testified tina,
on his way to the pump saw some men on the
corner; saw Hill and then heard the shot; heard
Hill call out, lord have mercy on me-" foundHil
lying down, and he said Hamilton shot him. Or
cross-examination witness said he heard no one
speak when Hill passed the corner didn't see any.
body stop Hill; did not see pistol In HIPS hand
nor was his attention called to any weapon: saw
the fash Of pistol and man run.
Counsel here stated that the names OF four per-
sons who witnessed the alleged exchange OF
signals yesterday between O witness on the stand
and somebody In the audience had been furnished
the court.
George Brown testified that he assisted Robin.
son to carry Hill to his house. after the shooting
Witness heard but did not see the shooting When
Hill was picked up Jennie Thornton was present
This closed the case for the government
TESTIMONY FOR THE DEFENSE
For the defense Edward Ross testified that Hill
was larger and older than Hamilton; that night
the band played for Jefferson Church; Hill went
up into the gallery and approached Hamilton
Witness told him he would not have any fuss
there. After they left the church heard Hill tell
another person that he had pistol. They went
to serenade Mr.. Phipps at 5th and streets, where
Hill Interrupted the music by going up to Hamil-
ton threateningly. Witness again stopped the
fuss Hill went away, but returned with pistol
In his hand and asked Hamilton If he had called
him dog. Witness told Hin not to shoot, and
ne went away again. saying as he left. to Hamll-
ton: "1ve got your girl" Hamilton replied
"She's no girl OF mine." The girl spoke up, say
ing: "You are ID liar, and / can prove it. N
witness lett Hamilton in company with Mackey
and several others at 5th and streets, they going
towards 4th street.
Cross-examined.-Wltne had heard from Ham,
1lton that Hill had been after him; recollected
that some one said: "Why don't you put down
your weapon?" and Hill put his pistol down and
put his hat On It, Witness then said he would
have Hill arrested.
Frank Ross testified that Hill came up to Ham,
1lton and took hold OF his collar, and that Hamil-
ton told Hill If he laid down his pistol he would
fight him; that his brother went In between them
and stopped them from fighting. On crOSS-exami-
nation nothing new was ELECTED.
+. }. McQuade, c. A. Sohns and others testified
10 the reputation OF Hamilton being good.