The Evening critic., 1884-02-27
A CLEAR CASE OF ssLF-DEFENsE

A CLEAR CASE OF sELF-DEFENSE
Adam Johnson Acquitted of the
Murder of His Father-ln-Law,
Charles Arnold.
The trial of Adam w. Johnson, indicted
for manslauehter in killing his father-in-
law, Charles w. Arnold, on the goth OF
November last, took place in the Criminal
Court this morning.
Assistant District Attorney Coyle ap-
peared for the prosecution and Mr.. Camp
hell Darlington for the defendant.
On tho morning of this trouble the de-
fendant met his father-in-law near Casey's
saloon, on tho Navy-Yard, Mr.. Arnold
stonding on a cellar door, aud words passed
between them. The deceased came toward
him and johnson pushed him back, when
the feet of Arnold stepped and he fell into
the open cellar, which produced conclusion
Of the brain and subsequently death.
The defense claimed. they would show
that Arnold persisted in pursuing Johnson,
and was pushed back several times. The
last time his foot caught in the edge of n
step, and he fell on the cellar.door, aud
that in attempting to rise he lost his
balance and fell into the cellar, the accident
resulting In his death IL was they said,
clear case of self-defenp and excusable
homicide.
John II. Weholy testified that as he came
around tho corner of Garrison street he saw
Mr.. Arnold coming down Eighth street
and Mr. johnson on tho sidewalk going to-
ward tho Navy-Yard. They metand com.
menced to scutlle, and Arnold took hold of
johnson and tho latter pushed Arnold of.
johnson Kept on toward the Navy Yard and
Arnold followed. In front Of O'Donuelis
Arnold took hold of johnson again, aud
the latter again pushed him Off aud went
on. Arnold overlook johnson again in
front of Casey's and took hold of him.
johnson again pushed him off and walked
on. Arnold staggered over and fell into
the cellar. The witness was ABOUT half
square away and did not hear any Of the
words that passed between tho parties.
On cross examination the witness stated
that he Is letter-carrier anT was making
his usual rounds when he witnessed the oc-
currencc. When Arnold took hold of John
son the latter pushed him away and kept
on walking toward the Navy Yard. He was
walking fast, but Arnold walked faster and
overlook him. johnson was evidently try
ing to get away from Arnold. He did not
see johnson hit Arnold at any time, aud
when Arnold staggered toward the cellar
door Johnson was como distance away.
To the Court-Arnold seemed to be try
lux W Btb db JOHnoOh dStCh 10 IL hO
had some spite against him.
Mrs. Laura Casey testified that she saw
some of the difficulty between the parties
She saw Mr.. Arnold attempt to strike Mr..
johnson and tho latter push him away.
Mr.. Arnold came back with his hand be-
hind him as if to draw weapon, and Mr.,
Johnson pushed him away again. He fell
on the cellar door. There was loose board
in the door at that time. Mr.. Arnold put
his hand on the board, 1t slipped, and, losing
his balance he fell head foremost down the
steps, hitting the basement door. Her hu5-
band and some one else helped to get him
ont. She did not think that he fell into
the cellar from the push, but by losing his
balance in trying to rise from the cellar
door,
"Your Honor" said Mr.. Coyle, II do not
care to 90 farther. do not ask for u con-
vic,ion in this case"
mo, should say not" replied the
Judge. "Gentlemen of the jury return
your verdict"
They Immediately gave verdict of not
guilty.
Mr. johnson thanked them and retired
from tho courtroom surrounded by his
friends.
The trial occupied forty minutes.