The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-04-12
CRIME HOLDS HIGH CARNIVAL.
Roanoke'S Hastings Court Docket Filled
With Criminal Cases.
TEN MEN WILL Be TRIED FOR THEIR LIVES.
Murderers, Midnight Asssssins and Highway
Robbers at the Bar of Justice-A
Resume of the Cases.

RolvoKE. VA. April 11.-tSpec}sl THE
April term Of the Hastings Court, beginning
Monday. will be one of the most interesting
in the history Of this city.
The term will be taken up with the hearing
of criminal cases, and ten men will be tried
for their lives.
During the entire winter crime has held
high carnival. and murders and highway rob-
berries have been frequent. notwithstanding
the active efforts of the police and outside
detectives.
A FOUL MURDER.
On the night Of the odd Of December, 1890.
ut 7.30 o'clock, Thomas G.. Massie we'll
known real estate broker and highly respected
citizen, was assaulted on one of the principal
streets Of this city in front of the residence of
Hon. H. 5. Trout. The intent WAS robbery,
as Mr.. Massio had $500 on his person. but the
blow was not heavy enough 70 prevent him
from raising alarm, and the assailants did not
accomplish their purpose. Mr. Massle died Of
his injuries on the night OF the 18th, his skull
having been fractured by the blow.
The city was thoroughly aroused. and n
fund OF g., 100 was at once raised by the citi-
zens TO hunt down the perpetrators OF the
deed.
John Redd and Rufus Williamson (colored,
who paid Massie some money the day OF the
assault were arrested on suspicion. but the
State was unable 10 fasten the crime upon
them.
January 18th William Daniel. alias John
Lakewood was arrested on the charge of va
grancv. and sentenced TO sixty days IN jail.
Daniel cleaned the snow from the steps OF
Massie's residence the morning before the
murder
DETECTIVES AT WORK.
Detectives were put 10 work ON this slight
clue. The general public bad lost sight OF
Daniel and lost all hope OF the capture Of the
murderer of Massie. when on the 10Th OF
February special grand jury was summoned
10 investigate the charge that Daniel. alias
Lakewood was the murderer. He was In
dicted, but the evidence upon which the true
bill was found is still unknown except 10 the
jury, Detective Campbell. who worked up the
case. and the Commonwealth attorney.
Ii is alleged that Daniel has made some con-
fession 20 prisoners incarcerated with him,
duplicating himself in the murder. The
authorities are confident of q strong case
against the man. and some startling develop
ments are looked for when the case comes to
trial next Thursday. Daniel is of one Of the
most degraded families on record. His
mother was an octorOOn and notorious pros
ttute His mulatto sister is denizen OF one
of the most infamous holes on Railroad
avenue. He was regarded by many when
arrested as an mbecle but he has an intel
lgent face. and has more the appearance OF a
typical tough than an idiot.
Daniel Is native of Pittsylvania county,
and was for some time a tobacco roller IN
Danvile 1t is said that while travelling "a
patent medicine agent he got into the good
graces of the daughter Of prominent physi-
clan of one OF the border counties and was TO
be married TO her. but his character was dis
covered by the family Just in time to save the
young lady from disgrace.
ANOTHER SERIOUS CHARGE.
Another important case will be the trial Of
John +. Boyd. charged with blowing up the
house Of a lewd woman with dynamite. Boyd
has already been tried twice. Each time there
was a hung Jury. but the majority Of the
Jurors were in each instance in favor Of send
ing him to the penitentisry. Boyd has good
counsel, and is making great effort to Keep
out Of prison.
George Robinson will also be tried for the
murder of another colored man named Davie
Burger. The deed was committed several
weeks ago. Robinson made his escape 70 the
mountains. but subsequently, surrendered
himself 20 the authorities 1t 10 not probable
that he viii be acquitted.
THE NKwsos MURDER.
The grand Jury which meets Monday
will have a large amount Of work to do. The
most important case for investigation is TINT
of William Ianier, charged with killing Nat
Newson on the night OF April 18th. Newson
fired a pistol in Laniers house W bile dance
was in progress. He was hustled out of doors
by Ianier and several others, who Knocked him
in the head with bed-slat The coroner's jury
was in session three days and rendered
verdict duplicating Lanier and SIX others.
The preliminary examination was held to-day.
and all sent on 10 the grand Jury.
They Will probably be tried at this term Of
the Hastings Court Several of them belong
to strong colored secret societies. and have
great backing. During the Investigations
both bv the coroner and the magistrate plot
was found among the friends of those impli-
Gated to suppress all evidence. The case will
no doubt attract considerable attention
among the colored people, and an effort may
be made 10 release them Newson was dude
negro and was not popular with the gang that
killed him.
COMMERCIAL ASSOCIATION.
The Commercial Association was formally
organized last night. Ii is the purpose of the
promoters tOinduce every business man in the