, 1888-03-28
KING ACQUITTED.
The Killer of Bowman, at Douglas,
Set Free
Case Submitted Without Argument
or Charge.
An Albany County Jury Returns in
Short Order

A rather remarkable criminal trial COM
menced and terminated at Laramie City
yesterday. A confessed murderer was
acquitted with scarcely any direct evidence
in his favor but his own sworn statement.
THE LEADERS informant states that the
verdict was received with the widest dem
onstrations of Joy and gave universal sat
istaction. The counsel for territory and
accused made no four hour arguments,
and His Honor Judge Blair waived the
charge prerogative. Twelve citizens of
Albany county deliberated on the matter
three minutes, and the foreman of the
jury, unable to contain himself, shouted
Not guilty. ere the presiding Judge
could inquire as to the result OF their ses-
sion.
The defend ant was Harry 9. King, who
shot and killed j. H. Bowman in front of
the Valley house at Douglas, Nov. l of
last year. The plea was self defense and
emotional insanity.
During the summer Of 1887 King vas
in the employ of Bowman at Chadron,
Neb. The latter became enamored of the
younger mans wife and sent her husband
to Kansas on a mythical mission, accom-
panied by one Morris. The latter admired
King for his many manly traits, and ex-
posed the %villainy of Bowman and I'M
faithfulness of the woman. To satisfy
himself King dispatched decoy messages
to his wife, using Morris name. These
were intercepted and answered by Bowman.
In desperation the wronged man started
for Chadron, determined to learn the
terrible truth. At Omaha he was in.
formed that Mrs. King had started for
Kansas, but had been persuaded by Bow
man to return and continue her iniquit-
Gus life. Injured beyond all reparation
King avoided both his wife and the de-
mon who wrought the ruin of the once
happy family. After spending several
months in Council EBluffs and Omaha
and receiving several threatening letters
from Bowman, he concluded to mingle
with strangers in Wyoming, and was soon
installed as stage driver between Douglas
and Glenrock. He o heard that
Bowman was in the oil fields of that re-
gion and still boasting of his infa-
nous deed. One day he met the
man who had blighted his life
on the road and was threatened with
death unless he emigrated. His manly
spirit was aroused and he determined to
flee from his dastardly enemy no longer.
A second meeting occurred and others
followed. Upon each occasion Bowman
menacingly advanced and blasphemously
advised him to seek another residence.
King acted cautiously, always trying to
avoid his enemy, but at the earnest solici-
tation of friends armed himself. On the
night OF the tragedy Kings manhood as
sumed control and he accused Bowman of
his crime. The seducer boldly de-
MED his guilt and reached
for a weapon. King commanded him to
elevate his hands. Bowman continued 10
reach for his hip pocket, when the ex-
cited man shot him down in his tracks.
He did not resist arrest, and many friends
ministered to his wants during his i'm
prisonment. The general impression
seemed to be that he would have been
justified in killing Bowman several
months earlier. When the %latter's en-
ployes learned of his untimely demise they
cheered for King.
Kings father, who is a leading mer-
chant Of Morrison. ILL.,, and his mother, a
remarkably handsome woman, were pres
emit during the entire trial and made
many friends. Mrs. King, contrary to
anticipation. maintained her composure
throughout the ordeal.
still Out.