The weekly messenger. [volume] (St. Martinsville [i.e. St. Martinville] La.) 1886-1948, 1891-08-15
The murderer was of brazen audaci.

ty, as Chas. DOer, brakeman and Philil
COyne engineer on the branch roat
board at the house. and were both in bet
at the time OF the murder, Mr.. COynt
slept Oh the same floor. in the room op
posite that of Miss Belle. separated by the
vestibule, and Mr.. DOer slept on the low.
er floor. The murder was committed in
Mrs. RObertsOn's room, in the south west
corner of the house.
Mrs. RObertsOn's residence is situated
on Main Street, near the Rail road depot,
and surrounded by neighbors.
The news Of this horrible murder
spread like wild fire and few minutes
after the sensation had reached every
house in town and the whole population
was soon at the house of the horrible
scene. The excitement ran high and
conJectures were many, but all this and
the most minute search for a clue were
fruitless, a. not the slightest indication
was left that could lead to any suspicion.
Judge Jas. +. MOutOn, Justices Dan
VOORHEES, and Ralph DeBlanc and sheriff
Gardemal and Constable j. O. Halphen
and Police Officer VOORHEES, were early at
the house and helped investigate the
affair.
Justices DeBlanc and VOOrhies with
the assistance of Drs. Jewell and Delau-
real held al, inquest in the absence of
the Coroner and the bodies were removed
and dressed. At about twelve o'clock
Coroner GuilbeauX arrived from Breaux
Bridge, recalled the jury who had been
impanelled by the Justices of the place
and with the assistance Of his deputy,
DR.. de Mahy completed the inquest.
These lsdies were held in high esteem
in this community. they were kind and |
charitable,and their tragic death has cast |
gloom over the entire town and parish.
The citizens in their excitement ar
rested several negroes and questioned
them, but as there was nothing that in
dicated that they were accOmplices, they
were released. Judge MOutOn, Sheriff
Gardemal assisted by some citizens exa-
mined witnesses all the day but nothing
was discovered that would locate a sus-
piciOn.
Sheriff Gardemal i'm his research at
the house for some trace that would give
him chance to work the case discovered
A light imprint of hand with blood on
the window sill Of the room where the
murder was committed, at the left side
Of the chimney, and the imprint of the
sides of the ladder could be seen from
the window, and the belief is enter
.ained by the sheriff that the murderer
entered the room by that window and
eft it by the same window.
During the day the news spread
the parish and several squads
If armed men came to town, but their e.,
however to help law to have
Is course, was Of little use, as this case ,
should have been in the hands of a ,
hrewed detective rather than be in the
lands of an armed crowd, however good .
nay have been their intention.
After the inquest the bodies were TAX ,
n charge of by the ladies' who were ,
here in large number and ready to rem :
Ter any assistance in their power, dress
d them and prepared them for burial.
constant flow of people was kept at a.,
he house of the deceased from the mo- =
nent of the terrible news to the hour of :,
he funeral, seven o'clock Wednesday :.
morning.
The citizens are determined to ferret :
ut the murderer and will give the Off :
ers all their help. and we hope their de- .
will not be fruitless, and :
hat they bring him to justice to receive :
he the punishment he so richly deset- .
es.
Lewis Chambers; negro has been az !,
ested and jailed; He Is believed to be :
he right man. Evidence is being col :.
ected.
Detective Collins Of New Orleans ar n
ived here early Thursday morning and a
egan to work on the case.
If "Jeune Habitant de POnt Breaux
'ill' send us his name we will publish
-.