Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1886-01-01
THE LYND0NVILLE TRIAL.
EXAMINATION OF WITNESSES OF A
VERMONT MURDER.
A Dihiculty had Existed Between the Two
Men for sometime -iIadley Dcliv-
cred Himself up After the
Shooting of Hayes.


\ last nights despatch from St. Johns
bury says: The Town hall was packed
this afternoon with people eager to hear
the examination of Walter Hadley, who
shot Edgar Hayes at Lyndonvile, Mon
day evening, held before Justice W. r.
Smith. The first witness examined for
the State was David Tute of Lyndonville
brother-in-law of the deceased. Hayes had
lived with Tute since his wife left him,
some three months ago, and he came home
on the night of the tragedy at p. m.
staying at Tute's until about 8 y. m, when
! he left unbeknown to Tute, going toward
the south. When Tute found it out he
followed him, suspecting something
wrong. After going short distance he
heard five or six shots fired quickly, saw
the flash and heard some one running.
He hurried on and found Hayes lying
on his back with his arms ex-
tended and with brass knuckles and
II revolver with one empty chamber
close by him. a circle about six
feet in diameter was trodden down as if
some one did it expecting an attack The
witness called for help speedily. Mr..
Copeland was called and arrived at 10 D.
m when the body was removed to the
village hail. The witness had heard sto-
ries current concerning Hadley's connec-
ton with Hayes wife, but did not know
as to their truth. Under CROSSE Xamna-
ton the curious fact was disclosed that
Tute went after Hayes at the suggestion
of Tute's wife as she feared that he would
find his wife i'll company with some one.
He never heard Hayes threaten Hadley.
The pistols were shown. Hayess was IA
22calibre revolver. and Halleys was II
44calibre, double action revolver
Mr.. Copeland, who was the next wit
ness said he was called to see the body of
Edgar Hayes on Monday night. Hayes
was gaspng when Copeland arrived. He
assisted DR.. Hubbard in the examination
Tuesday morning. The ii, st wound was
at the upper part of the lett hip and the
second wound was one inch below and to
the left extremity of the breast bone,
The third wound was in the left half of
the frontal bone, high in the forehead and
the fourth wound was little pusterior to
the third, made by the third bullet divid-
ing. Dr. Hubbard then testified, his tes
timony being practically the same as
COpelands.
David Silsby, deputy sheriff, was the
next witness Tor the State. The respond
ent came to Silsbys stables, saying that
he had Shot Ed" Hayes, and gave him
self up; and also surrendered his revolver
all the chambers of which were empty
He said he fired two Shots last Saturday.
Hayes had the reputation Of being Il quar-
relsome man, when drinking. W. G.
Powers was the next witness for the
State. The night of the shooting he
played cards at Ayers house. Hayes and
the prisoner were both there. Hayes did
not talk much or play. Hayes, Hadley
and LintOtte went out together and the
witness started to go. When he heard
firing and saw the flash he stepped inside
the house. Tute soon called at the door.
| Upon being cross examined by Cahoon
as to the position of the pistol and brass
knuckles he testified the same us the 9th
er witnesses
Charles Aver the next witness for State
testified at first the same as Powers. He
| had heard gossip about tneiI troubles. The
| first shot was light, then there We're four
or five heavier in succession. The next
witness, John Bean, was at Ayers house
Monday night when they went out. Hayes
asked 1adley to speak with him mo-
ment. Hadley stepped back and the wit
''can fix YOU Hadley then said to Hayes
don't follow me-" Witness saw Hayes
fire the first shot and Hadley returned the
fire shooting five shots. Hayes fell at the
last shot. The witness took Hadley home
The witness had heard Hayes threaten to
| MIL IldillcN
The next witness for the State was A. S.
Jones whose testimony was sub
stantially the same as that of the rest
of the witnesses He said, 'as | stepped
out heard two persons talking. Before
the firing commenced | went out" On
! cross examination the witness said he
heard Hayes threaten the respondent in
the depot Il few weeks since. Hayes was
quarrelsome. Fred Ayers was next sworn.
The witness went out after the firing, but
heard no running. He was in the door
when the firing was gong on.
VIM. Lintotte being sworn, testified
substantially the same us the other wit
nesses. He heard talk between Hayes
ana Hadley and saw Hadley run Hayes
fired first. Hadley received three or four
shots. Court then adjourned until Q
O'Clock this morning
There are several more witnesses but
probably the above testimony covers all
facts that will be brought out us the de
Tense claim nothing further except strik-
| ing by Hayes and threats against Had
ley. States Attorney Montgomery APP
peared for the prosecution and George G..
Cahoon, George f. Cahoon and f.. j. Hoh-
man of Lyndonville, for the respondent