Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-01-21
ANOTHER MURDER.
The Discovery of Terrible Crime Near
Falls Church.

There was horrible murder committed
about week ago at a negro settlement known
as Mount Pleasant, on the Columbia road,
about four miles east of Falls Church, near
Baiiey's crossroads, about week ago, but the
facts in the case were learned only within the
past few days. Nancy Mills, an old mulatto
woman of about seventy years, was the victim
and Stephen Cross, on old colored man. is the
alleged murderer. Last Monday the residents
OF Mt. Pleasant missed Nancy Mills and all
search for her proved fruitless. 1t was thought
at first that she had gone visiting friends in
Falls Church, but the conviction grew that she
had been foully dealt with. Circumstances
pointed to stephen Cross, q neighbor between
whom and the missing woman bad blood ex-
lsted. 1t was determined to watch Cross
so Tuesday night three men secreted
themselves near Cross house. but nothing
transpired. About midnight the next night
the watchers saw Cross come out of his house
and advance cautiously toward the stable and
unlock the door. He soon reappeared leading
his horse. which he hitched up to his wagon.
The noise OF railroad train caused Cross TO
hesitate, but as the sound died away he pre-
pared to depart. He went into the house and
reappeared closely muffied. After standing for
some time IN deep thought he threw his hat
angrlly to the ground and unhitched his horse.
After stabling his horse he went into the house
again and locked the door. Thursday night
Cross appeared about midnight and again went
through the process of hitching and unhitching
his horse and going into the house.
THE ARREST.
The men who had watched thought that they
were warranted in causing Cross arrest. On
Saturday the party called on the sheriff of Fair
fax county and gave him the facts Shortly
after o'clock Saturday evening the sheriff ac-
companied by posse of men, started to arrest
Cross. His dilapidated cabin, which stood
alone in an isolated locality. at one end of the
settlement was occupied by himself, wife and
son. As the sheriff s party advanced they were
braught to standstill by
THE REPORT OF GUN,
followed by shower of shot. Drawing off out
OF gun range the party determined to lombard
the cabin, and shot after shot was planted in
the doors, or went crashing through the win
dows. Every shot was returned by Cross, who
fired in true colonial style through the cracks
In the side of the house. A consultation was
held and 1t was agreed to advance and capture
him. Holding their weapons in readiness,
they advanced on all sides. the door was broken
open. and after hard struggle Cross was over
powered and lodged in the Jail at Fairfax
Court House.
THE DISCOVERY.
Returning yesterday, the son, boy about
siA'oeh years VI age, was ordered 10 uncover
the manure pile. This he refused to do, and it
was only after he had been threatened that he
complied. Two forks of manure disclosed a
bare arm. and one more brought to light the
body. The body was taken to a cabin near by
to await the inquest to-day. The son has been
arrested. Circumstances indicate that the
murder was committed in swamp near by, for
the tracks of wagon extend in a circuitous
route through the swamp back to Cross house.
The friends of the murdered woman talk of
lynching. 1t is believed that the son and wife
are implicated.