The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-10-03
IT WAS PERHAPS A MURDER.
John Bracket Found Dead In The White.
chapel Of Richmond.
THE AFFAIR SHROUDED In MYSTERY,
Great Excitement Prevailed. But Facts Wore
Hard to Gain-Many Theories
Have Been Advanced.

Last night at II o'clock John Bracket lay
dead in a sauald room on Byrd between First
and Second streets. A smoking lamp without
chimney lent to the scene fantastical glim-
mer Two policemen nonchalantly chatted
by the body of the dead man. A second rate
merchant Of those parts stood at the door
putting cheap cigar. A TINES reporter
infinitely examined the corpse
Some said that murder had been CON-
mitted. others advanced the theory that
Bracket had met his death by sufocation.
Two or three hold to the opinion that heart
disease had sent the negro 20 his reward.
Facts were fow and difficult to obtain.
The story, however. Of the crime, If such
it is, is very nearly this: For many months
John Bracket, a black negro, about thirty
five years old, has lived with Mary Graves as
her husband. She lives in what is known as
Buzzards Roost. q dilspidated building.
Mary md another woman occupied O room
together in the Roost. The floors above were
unfit for human habitation.
THY CAUSE.
William johnson also knew Mary. and on
Thursday evening last escorted her homo
after she had completed her labors at Mayo's
factory. Bracket was ~ the Roost when
they arrived. lie charged her with being
untrue to him. There was a scene. William
became involved. and for ten minutes a
general row ensued Rows. however. are
common ahairs in the neighborhood Of the
Roost, and no attention Was paid to this par
ticular one.
Last evening william again became gallant
and escorted Mary home. Bracket was again
there. but placidity and peace reigned su-
preme while both the men were present. IL
was about s O'Clock when Bracket left the
house 10 buy a cents worth of oil. When lie
returned there was evidently fight. and an
dead, while MaIy and William had departed
for parts unknown.
THE ALAEM.
The alarm was given. the police and Coroner
were notified and each attempted 10 learn
facts. The attempt WAS not very encourag-
ing or successful one. IL was an easy task TO
receive description of Mary Graves. but
the neighbors knew little of William. They
had seen him but unfortunately for them
bis features had neyor impressed them TO any
great extent.
From all that could be learned there was a
fight Tho complete disorder of the room
demonstrates that beyond any reasonable
doubt. but whether Bracket met his death by
being struck by William or sufocation or
hear, disease Coroner Taylor could not deter
mine last evening. He may have died during
death 10 him but if the latter is true there is
not an imprint OF bruise on his body TO show
any such proceeding.
Mary and William may have e.. rown him
on the floor and suloeated him with the bed
ding. but such a DesdemOna style OF murder
ing people could hardly have occurred to such
individuals as can he nightly seen at this
Whitechapel of Richmond. The suao-
cation theory has some evidence b. support
il, however for the two lovers may have end
ed Brackets life by sitting on him after they
wrapped him in bed clothing until he ceased
10 breathe and then to destroy the evidence of
such proceeding tore up the bed-ticks and
This pest-breeding conglomeratiOn Of ticking.
shayings. sheets and Quilts was found by the
officers near the bedstead. and that was
knocked into hopeless state Of ruin.
THE ROOF.
Pesides the two beds in the room. there was
little else 10 claim tho attention. A small
safe stood near the bed in which could be
seen the remnants OF cheap dining set and
other ware for the table, bat save few
planks on the floor there was nothing else
to relieve the baroness OF the room. The lat
ter is about u by y, has one window and
door which open, on Byrd street. fhe room
possesses horrible odOr This is caused by
Door ventilation and al sence Of sun. and one
of the policemen aptly said: If Bracket
had 20 sleep IN TINS place every night ne
showed good sense by committing suicide
Di.;gent search was made for Johnson and
Mary by Oficers Finnegan. Williams and
/ ange. but they could not be apprehended.
The woman who occupies the room
with Mary was arrested, az was
also negro boy. who says he
saw johnson strike Bracket with his fist.
Both were locked up al the Second station.
and the dead mans remains were sent TO the
by Coroner Taylor.
There will be an inquest at the almshouse
this afternoon at o'clock. During the fore
noon Coroner Taylor will make post-mortem
examination.