The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-07-10
CONNER's "NOT GUILTY"
Unable 20 Identify Him. So
Ho fs Acquitted.

Ho fl Acquitted.
Some months ago the residence OF Mr.
II. William Pemberton on west Grace
street was entered in the nighttime and
robbed. A diamond ring and about $50 in
money were taken from Mr.. Pemberton's
clothes.
The thief, after going through the Sleep
Ing apartments on the second floor, made
his way to the third floor and into the
room Of Miss Stratton, the housekeeper.
She was awake or awakened, and as the
moonlight was coming in at the windows
saw the man at his work, and finally in
great fright she fed from the room. On
the steps down she was overtaken by the
burglar, who thrust his elbow over her
mouth and Kissed into her ear that IL she
didn't stop screaming he would kill her.
Before Mr.. Pemberton could open bis
door and come to her aid he was gone.
THE ARREST IDENTITY.
The fact that Billy Conners, profes-
sional burglar OF extended reputation,
was here about that time, and the de-
scription Of the burglar given by Miss
Strattou, led the police to seek for him
and lay the crime at his door. He was
arrested in Baltimore and brought to
Richmond under requisition. He never
confessed anything except that he was In
Richmond at that date. At the Third sta.
tion-house, where Miss Stratton first con-
fronted him. she said that she thought II
was the man. but she was not certain. Al
the Police Court, on his examination, she
identified him quite positively, and having
been duly indicted, yesterday was the day
set for the trial OF accused. Conners came
into court with his sister. who has been
devoted in her attentions to him. He was
dressed in q dark-blue suit, his linen was
| faultless, and he wore white neck-tie
His dark-brown hair was well oiled and
combed. While sitting there receiving the
gaze OF the spectators the prisoner was
nervous, and for something better to dc
twisted his croppy moustache most Wig
orously. He is short. rather thick-set
fellow Of thirty-fve, and has the look OF O
dissipated man.
CONNERS IN COURT.
Hon. George d. Wise appeared as hi:
counsel, and after little talk with Mr.
Witt took his seat beside the prisoner. and
whispered something in the prisoners eal
which made the clouds pass from his face
and lightened up the features OF the sister
too.
1t was only word or two, but that il
was good news any one could see.
Upon the reading OF the Indictment by
Mr.. Clerk LawtOn the prisoner pleaded
"not guilty."
Mr.. Wise said that he would take as the
! Jury the twelve men then sitting in the
box: but the Sergeant called up seventeen
One said, in answer to Judge Atkins's in
terrogatories. that he was opposed to capi'
tai punishment. That left sixteen. -Four
names. by right. Mr.. Wise struck from the
| list, and the twelve were sworn in as Jul
rors, as follows: E. B. Thaw, w. c,
Thomas, Jr., John p. Quarles, A. p. Fox
Jr., John ii. Rose, G.. w. Turpin, G. III
Poindexter. j. ID. McCloskey, John Pull
ing, p. ID. Glinn, Gus. Thalminer, and A
Bowie, Jr.
UNABLE TO IDENTIFY HIM.
The usual preliminaries over. Miss STRAIT
ton was sworn as the first witness, anC
was seated IN the witnesses chair. Conner'
sat to the right and rear OF her.
Mr.. Witt, after few questions, brought
the matter to focus by asking Miss Strat
ton il she identified the prisoner as tue
man who entered fer room. Conners was
told TO stand up, and did so, resting hi
right hand upon the bar and looking stead
fastly at the witness with a calm and con
tident expression. Miss Stratton eyed hin
for n moment and then said that she coulC
not identify him.
Then, Miss Stratton, you can't swear u
that man, said Mr.. Witt.
Miss StrattOn | cannot.
Mr.. Witt: Then that ends the case.
Mr.. Witt advised the jury TO bring in {
verdict Of ''not guilty." and they did so.
Mr.. Witt said that Miss Stratton desired
him 10 state that when under examination
at the Police Court she was laboring under
great excitement and didn't then fully ap
nreciate what she said. After reading ant
thinking over It, and considering how sol
emn matter it was, and the fact, too, tha
she saw the burglar only by moonlight, sh'
was afraid now to say that she could sweal
TO him. She had sent for him this [yester
dayl morning and informed him [Mr. Witt
of the conclusion which she had reached.
Mr.. Wise remarked that he had ever,
confidence in Miss Stratton and could wei
understand her position.
The usual proclamation was made, ant
Sergeant Lee concluded: "Conners, yo'
are discharged"
The prisoner made graceful bow, salt
81 thank you," aud along with MS siste
promptly left the courtroom, and at tn
Capitol-street door took a carriage ant
drove of.