The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-03-27
THE ARCHER MURDER TRIAL.
The COURTROOM Again Crowded by an
Attentive and Interested ThrOng.
Lynch Completes His Testimony, and His
Statements Are Corroborated by Other
Witnesses-The Case Drawing to Close.
thu indinnanoIia Ionrnar

Special to the Indianapolis Journar.
SHOALS Ind, March 26-The interest mani
tested in the Archer murder trial seems una
bated 1t mas now been agitating the court
since Wednesday, and is thus far, not near a
close The courtroom has been packed to its
utmost capacity. The beginning of the further
testimony Of Lynch. to-day, created unusual ex-
element The evidence given by him is con-
elusive as to the conviction of his comrade of
the murder in which he took an active part His
testimony. which was similar to his written con-
fession, was verified by the witnesses that fol-
lowed him. Bennett Griggsby testified that he
had visited the cave in which Bunch was killed,
and found it as Lynch had stated. He found
the blood stained rocks on which Bunch was
murdered. He said that the cave was frequent
ly overfowed, and that layer Of salt had tenn
porarily concealed the horrible crime. He pro-
duced in open court piece of limestone rock
with blood stains yet upon it, and stated that
| marks made by shots from pistols were visible
on the walls of the cave.
FL. e. Wells testified that he was member Of
the party who searched the cave and otherwise
investigated Lynchs confession, his statements
concurring with those of Griggsby he said they
visited the spot on which Bunchs remains were
cremated removed the branches of tree
which had been felled over the secluded spot,
and made thorough examination of the ashes,
finding in them several small pieces Of bone,
several nails which were used in constructing
the box in which he was burned, shirt button
which Mrs Bunch recognized as one Of those
which her husband had worn; a tooth Of the in
Ill - ~
produced to be viewed.
Dr. Shirley was placed on the stand to ex-
anime the charred relics. He stated that, to the
best of his knowledge, the tooth was of the lower
jaw, and Of the incisor group that it had been
subjected to heat, as the greater part Of the
enamel was destroyed He then examined the
pieces of charred bones, all Of which weighed
only few ounces. He pronounced them as be-
ing once part of human frame that they were
tarsus, or meta tarsus, composing, when whole.
human foot or hand
Dr. Ritter testified that he examined the
blood on rock which he had taken from the
place of execution Of Samuel A. Bunch. After
giving it careful examination he pronounced it
human.
With the foregoing evidence pending on the
minds Of the jury, the State closed at 1880 The
defense then examined few witnesses, with
which they attempted to prove the corrupt char
acter of Lynch closing their testimony at 2:45.
The argument was opened by Hon. c. S. Dob
bins on the part of the State, Mr.. Dobbins pre-
sented his argument in an able manner and with
credit to himself. BE clearly illustrated the evil
effects Of the liberation of homicide. bringing
out the evidence they had produced by the only
living witness of the deed save the defendant, il
an eloquent manner, while during the whole
course Of his remarks the densely packed crowd
remained motionless
Mr.. Dobbins was followed by Houghton. Nc
Cormick, Gardiner and Moser, all able attor
neys. During the whole of the trial the prisoner
sat motionless and silent, yet his countenance
bore look of long and continued trouble
John Lynch now lies in Jail to answer charge
of murder and conspiracy, his victim being Stan
ford Freeman. What action the court will take
in his case is, as yet, unknown. The case OF
Archer will be given to the jury at a late hour
tonight