The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1892-03-17
OHIO VS. WILLIAM f. RUSSELL,

OHIO VS. WILLIAM f. RUSSELL.
This case comes from Minerva, th,
prosecuting witness being Miss Lucinda
Lautzenheiser OF that place. The de
fendant is charged simply with assault
and battery but there is something bach
of that. 1t Is averred in the indictment
that In September 20, 1891, Russell made
an assault upon Miss Lautzenheiser. He
is a jeweler and is we'll known in Minerva
| and vicinity. On the Sunday evening in
question Lucinda went TO church with a
lady friend. Russell was also at church
| and took theRirls home. He took the lady
friend home first afterwards going home
| with Lucinda. she invited him in and he
went. Her father and brother retired and
| the young folks were left alone. About
half an hour after the relatives had re-
tired IL is alleged that Russell crossed the
room, took hold of her and made improper
proposals to her. She stated to him, 1t is
alleged, that If he had come there for
any such purpose he had better leave, or
she would call her father. The State will
attempt to prove that he caught hold of
her, put his hand over her mouth and at
tempted to force her to the floor, saying
at the time that IL she made an outcry and
her father came, he would shoot
him as he did not propose to be caught In
so compromising position. After some
struggle 1t is alleged that he did accom-
plish his purpose. The young lady, IL Is
claimed, under threat TO kill, kept quiet
for some time. She took bracelet to him
to get 1t fixed, she alleging that he broke
II during the struggle with her. She says
she has called for the bracelet and that he
refuses to give it up. This made her mad
and she had him arrested for assault.
Prosecutor Bow stated the case for the
State, giving reasons why an indictment
for rape was not brought. Attorney Atlee
Pomerene represents the defendant and
OF toI ha fp pIf Ia
the charges in toto, but says he did go
home with her. He says he made no i'm.
proper advances whatever. The States
principal witness, Miss Lautzenheiser was
the first witness called. She is quite
an attractive young woman, perhaps
twenty-five years OF age. She is decided
blonde and was dressed in black, with
black gloves. She stated in u firm voice
the case as it appeared to her. She gave
evidence of having something OF mind
of her own. She said that Russell ap-
preached her and her friend at the church
door and said "Girls will take you home
II you will tell me where you live." The
I rest of the case was stated by
her substantially as stated by Mr..
/ Bow in his opening speech. She
Nyas subjected to rigid cross
Examination by Mr.. Pomerene. 1t is evil
dent that the case will be hotly contested,
as Objections were frequently made by
the defspse and exceptions noted on de
clsions orNShe court on admitting certain
evidence. e&e gave evidence tending to
| show that lie ylad said she was no better
than other gf1Ns, and that he came in for
| purpose andSNroposed to accomplish it.
| She laid great sNess upon the terrible eff.
| fort she made to get away, using the word
| several times. She was a very tragic wit
ness. The defendant, Russell, is a very
good looking fellow, wearing a sandy
mustache and rather light hair. He
dresses neatly, wearing g Prince Albert
time.