The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1886-11-26

ed the gun spoken of to Caleb Spicer, who said
he wanted to shoot dog
Isaac Butler, colored, had worked at Mr..
Spicers for three years. Had heard Spicer
threaten his son George many times and had
begged him to tell him what he had against that
boy.
James spicer, brother of the prisoner, testif-
cd that the pistol belonged to him. 1t was u
self-cocking five-shooter Of az calibre.
James f. Brown testified that George B. Spicer
is his nephew. He, had heared Caleb Spicer's
mother speak about his drink king and cruel treat
ment to her and his family. Had also heard
also heard it said that when sober Spicer was
kind hearted.
TESTIMONY OF THE PRISONER.
George b. Spicer, the prisoner, being sworn.
testified that he is % years old. On the nightof
the 10th of last June, he was aroused by his
mother, who told him when his father got quiet
to put his horse away. He went back to bed and
fell asleep. Afterwards he was aroused again by
had worn on the trip to Baltimore. The pistol
was left in the hip pocket when he went to bed.
Jeffie went with him to his mothers door. 1t
was closed but they pushed 1t open AS he open
ed the door he saw his mother rising up from the
floor, with one hand on the bed. When he got
in his father grabbed him by The left shoulder
and whirled him towards the open window OPP
posite the door, During the struggle the lamp
went out. His father got him to the window and
had his right arm aud perhaps the upper part of
his body out of the window. 1t was all over in
few minutes. He did not know whether he
drew or used the pistol or not. Had no pistol out
when trying 10 get IN the door. While struggling
at the window he heard a crash or noise. He had
gotten away from his father. After little bit
he heard a gurgling in his father throat. After
wards his father sat down on chair. His sister
Gussie came in and they went to their father.
who fell from the chair to the floor, where he
died His mother came in next, and shortly
afterwards his aunt Mrs. Miller, came. His
father had threatened more than once to kill the
witness. These threats began five years ago.
Prior TO that his treatment was kind. A change
came over him. caused, witness supposed from
drink. witness remembered no conversation
with Mr.. Burrier. On his way to Bel Air, he re-
membered saying to Constable Price: IF |
hadn't done it, would not do it; but have done
it and it's no use grieving. Him or some day had
to CO.. He remembered no talk with Belle or
WIN. Stamford.
on cross-examinaton he said not word was
spoken up to the time his father was shot. He
didn't know he had shot and killed his father
until after the act was done-"as soon as L could
see the wound.' His father had nothing In his
When witness left home on the 18th his father
and himself appeared to be ongood terms. His
father said goodbye to his mother and hmself,>
kindly. Witness was perfectly sober that night.
Has not seen the pistol since the shooting. His
father called him dirty bugger," as he sat on the
chair,
Evidence for the defence was closed here The
State then called George A. Standitord, Ben,
jamin Stamford and Mrs. Joseph Plowman, all
of whom testified to the reputation of the de-
ceased as a kind.hearted. good.tempered; oblig,
ing man. VIM. NJ. Marine testified that he had
known Caleb Spicer intimately for nearly 20
years and had seen him frequently. In the
whole list of my acquaintances, said Mr. Marine,
there is no gentleman l should have selected
out as more thoroughly amiable than he.' Had
seen him when he had taken drink but never IN
a condition of inebriety that might cause special
comment. Witness had never known Mt Spcers
reputation affected by his drinking, and never
knew his reputation to be that OF aquarrelsome
man.
Charles Steele, John Lee, VIM. J. Price, Samuel
Griffith, Mathew Brazier and John L. Hurley all
testified that Spicer was peaeeable man: Some
of them had heard that he i-treated his family.
f. II. Williams explained the situation of the
windows of the first and second stories. Both
sides having closed, at half-past ten o'clock
court adjourned.
On Saturday lengthy speeches were made by
Mr. Geo. Y. Maynadier for the State, and Messrs.
VIM. Young and S. A. Williams for the defence.
The case was given to the jury at O'Clock, and
an hour afterwards they brought in a verdict
of not guilty.