St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1888-12-01
DRAMATIC sCfNE In COURT
Sentencing McNulty, the Muir
derer ---His Mothers Frantic
Cries

San Francisco Examiner.
John McNulty the pale-faced steve
dore, convicted of murder, was called
up before Judge Murphy yesterday.
McNulty shot and killed James Col
Inns, fellow laborer, On the 25th of last
March.
"a motion for a new trial has been
made" said tie court, land | have gone
over the case twice. The first point is
that there were errors of law, and the
second is that there is newly discovered
evidence.
II have found no errors after minute
inspection. AS to the newly discovered
evidence. it Is stated that after the de-
Tense had closed their case the defend
ants mother became insane and was
placed in confinement for several days.
But she was witness at the trial, and
showed only the sense of deep anxiety
at the terrible position of her son. She
acted in rational and natural manner.
Then it is said that McNulty acted
strangely after he was convicted of
murder in the first degree. He COM
mitted acts of violence at the county
Jail, and it is contended that this went
to show that he was constitutionally i'll
L W
he was only suffering from an attack OF
hysteria, consequent on learning Of his
probable awful fate. While he was in
Iail before the trial he showed no Symp-
toms of insanity. nor during his trial,
when he sat III court and testified in his
own behalf. [ do not think he was in
sane when he committed the crime OF
which he was convicted. Under these
circumstances the motion for a new trial
is denied.
John McNulty, have you anything
to say?"
mo, your honor, [ have nothing to
say. Everything lies with my attor-
ney."
MeNulty spoke quietly ard without a
tremor as he stood looking at the judge.
At this moment his young wife, with
her baby in her arms, broke through
the crowd and took a seat by his side.
She was followed by .McNulty's aged
mother, who sank into another chair
and stared around excitedIy.
Judge Murphy then narrated the cir
cumst ances of the killing. which oc-
Cured on Second street. McNulty had
Quarreled with his employers and Col
Inns, and an attempt was made to settle
the matter by fist fight in a vacant lot
This was interrupted, and the next day
Collins and the defendant met on the
street, and Collins desired to resume
their friendly relations. McNuity an
swered in surly tone that he wanted
to fight.
They parted and McNulty turned
around and followed Collins. Some
one observed him draw weapon, and
cried, Look out. he's got a gun! Col
Inns turned and received the bullet in
his right eye. He died instantly.
''This was a cruel MURDER" said
Judge Murphy.
MeNulty' S mother grew more agitated.
1T was unjustifabie and deliberately
committed" the judge continued.
You gave him not moments warning,
not a chance to make peace with his
Maker, not a moment to offer single
prayer"
Judge Murphy's tones were clear and
cold. Perhaps he suppressed any
emotion he felt to avoid a scene, but if
so he failed.
lone duty alone remains" he said.
land that is to pronounce Judgment Oh
YOU. 1t is ordered that you be given
| into the custody of the sheriff to be inn
| prisoned in the county jail until the day
set for your execution, and that then
yoil---"
The mother was Oh her feet. Ne
| Nulty did not move. but his mother
clutched the table and trembied. His
wife cried softly, and the baby walled
pIaintively,
BE hanged by the neck"
"Uh, God. My boy. OH
She flung her arms around the cor
demned mans neck. A deputy sheriff
| gently drew her away.
-''Until you are dead" A wild
shrek rang out, and the hopeless look
of agony stood in the mothers eye.
"You-you-you shall not kill my
boy,' she sobbed. This is. death to
me. On, Johnny. my child. are you
going to leave Your old mother?''
"Order in the court. The court has
not adjourned yet" cried Judge Muir
| ply.
McNulty stopped and kissed his
mother. The tears filled his eyes, but
he said nothing. and gradually the
blood reeeded from his face, leaving it
deathly pale.
McNufty will appeal the case to the
supreme court.