The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1889-05-03

An INTERESTING MURDER CASE IN
SUSSEX.
A GREAT CROWD IN ATTEND
ANCE CPON COURT
THE PRISONER EAGERLY REsPONDs
NOT GUILTY.
The Case To- be stubbornly Fought-A stab
bling Anair az DHnville Truth IN
the Yellow Fever RepOTt-Blg
Hour Mill Burned.

Sussex c. H. ria Stony Cfeek' '"N
May 2.-Sussex county is interested IN
one Of the most sensational murders In
its annals, and this fact was amply
demonstrated by the unusually large
crowd which gathered to-day at the
county seat to watch the course Of an
awful trial. The murder was committed
on March 5th, and on that day Nalhanial
VI. Balm, a prosperous and well-known
citizen, was shot and almost instantly
killed by Carleton II. Marks, the son Of
Mr.. ID. \. Marks. a prominent Mason and
respected citizen
The causes which led to the murder
are briefly stated Mr.. Marks thought
that his little daughter, a girl twelve
years Old, had been improperly ap-
preached by Mr. Balm He therefore,
after consulting an eminent Mason Of
Richmond, wrote Balm a letter warning
him 10 leave the county il he would
AVOID criminal proceeding This let
ter was delivered by Dr. Deyiney, his
family physician, 10 Mr. r. w Lynch.
Mr.. Balm, Immediately upon receipt
OF the letter. went in company with his
wife 10 Marks store, a hundred yards or
more from his own residence. There he
was shot and killed by Carelton Marks.
At an early hour this morning the peo-
pie of the county began to arrive, and at
noon the courthouse green presented a
lively spectacle The court was not
called 10 order. however, until nearly 3
o'clock this afternoon, Mr. W. r.
Mckinney, one of the counsel
for the prosecution, being un-
able 10 arrive earlier from Petersburg
As soon as he came. however, Judge
Timothy Riyes, Of Prince George, took
his.seat AMI the trial Of the case was
formally opened
Judge j. Harper Shelton, the county
Judge, declined to sit in the case, having
had previous knowledge of the circum-
stances which led to the murder.
Indeed Judge Shelton is alleged TO
have written the letter TO Mr Balm
which Mr. Marks signed
The prisoner occupied "a seat near his
counsel. who are. W. b Mcllwaine, Esq
of Petersburg; Mr. W. j. Holland, Of
Isle Of Wight county, and Mr. j. F..
West, of Sussex county.
Young Marks does not look like a
criminal. lie is rather so far as per
sonal appearance is concerned, a pleas
ant-faced. good-humored, ruddy boy;
rather oyergrown for bis age-eighieen.
lie was absolutely self-possessed, and
betrayed no emotion whatever
When County Clerk J. d Owen read
the indictment charging him with the
murder of Mr.. Balm, bis father, D. 4
Marks, sat close beside him. and his
countenance betrayed more feeling and
anxiety than were depicted on the
features OF his youthful son.
The indictment was very long, and the
clerk consumed great deal OF valuable
time in reading il to the jury, who had
been secured with little difficulty, and
are composed of the following good and
true men. 4. F. Creaih, A. F. Owen, j..
p. Hale, +. ). cartridge, j. bennington,
D. p. Pyson, H. A. Beyill, X. L. Lewis.
B. B. Jackson, J. T. Jackson, c. W.
Lemon, j. w Porter
Before the indictment was read coun-
sell for the defense offered plea in abale-
ment, which was demurred to and the
demurrer sustained The prisoner
counsel then demurred to each count Of
The declaration, and this demurrer was
oyerruled
Being called upon to plead to the in
dictment, young Marks responded firmly
and eagerly, Not Guilty"
The court then adjourned until to-
morrow morning at 10 o'clock. the pris
oner being placed in charge Of TWO dep
uiy sheriffs, Messrs. J. d. Neblett and c.
II. Ellis, who were duly sworn in for the
purpOss.
The prisoners mother and the other
immediate members Of his family are all
here. as are also the wife of the murder
ca man and many of his relations.
Tomorrow the prosecution will begin
10 offer evidence, and the case will be
stubbornly fought 10 the end. In add
ton TO Mr.. ". X. McKenney the Com
monwoalth is also represented by Samuel
I. DreMry. lhe attorney for the SIale