Los Angeles herald., 1892-05-13
SANTA BARBARA.
The Murderer of a Chinaman on
Trial.

The Murderer of Chinaman on
Trial.
SANTA BARBARA, May 12.-The trial of
Antoine Vital, charged with the murder
of Chinese laundryman, was COM
menced in the superior court at 8 80
this morning. The testimony taken
during yesterday afternoon went to
show that Vital committed the crime !;
that it was cold-blooded and premedi-
| tated.
A. w. Campbell, vital's tramp pal,
was the fret witness placed on the stand
for the prosecution. He testified OF his
own free will, and without promise or
hope of reward. He met Vital only
seven days prior to the murder; met
him in Santa Barbara. They proceeded
up coast together on a tramping expe-
dition. They reached Lompoc on the
evening of the third day out
had supper in restaurant;
until about l O'Clock. Getting up at
that hour they went to the wash house
of All Chung. The Cinnamon were still
working and they waited on the church
doorstep until the house was closed.
At 3 80 they went to the laundry again,
masked themselves, and burst open the
door. The Chinese occupants were ter
rorized and made no resistance, allowing
the highwaymen to take all the money
to be found in the house. When
the robbery was completed they
left the house. Vitsl returned
before he proceeded far, as be
expressed it, "to fool that Chinaman."
Campbell remained where Vital left
him, awaiting his return. Shortly after
Vital entered the house Campbell heard
cry and pistol shot. Vital ran out of
the house, firing two shots Ell route.
They ran from the scene of the murder
up into the hills, where they rested
some hours and divided the Doodle,
about $25. Leaving Lompoc they came
toward this city, proceeding as far as
Gaviota, where they were overtaken by
officers and placed under arrest.
All Chung was next called. His tes-
timony substantiated that Of Campbell.
Was awakened about o'clock on the
morning of March 23d by two men
bursting the door of the house in. He
recognized defendant and Campbell.
Both had cloth over their faces. Defend
ant asked me if I had any money.
Told him no. He told me not
to talk or he would kill me,
and proceeded to search me.
got key out of my pocket, opened drawer,
got some money, a ring and a pistol.
Defendant went to Lees (the murdered
Chinaman) room while Campbell
watched me. Lee said in Chinese: !:
''Man come to rob me-" Heard shot
and both men ran away. When they
left, got up and went to Lees room and
found him dying.
Vital endeavored to cross-examine
witness, but became 90 excited and
abusive the court stopped him. 1t took
the sheriff and deputy to effectually
calm him, but not before Vital said with
a curse: "You can't put your foot on
my neck"
When the case was called this morn
ing, Ah Chung was placed on the stand
and cross-examined by counsel for the
defense. Nothing was divulged by this
further than confusing the Chinaman to
such an extent that he was unable to
give his name.
Drs. Glasscock and Conner were called
and testified as to the autopsy, and wit
nesses were called to identify the de-
fendant. j. M. Saunders, constable of
Lompoc, was next called. He identi-
fed the weapons taken from the de-
fendant and his pal-three heavy pistols
and pocket knife-and the case was
continued.
NOTES.
The Arlington hotel is once more filled
with tourists, who will remain about
week.
An important change is, it is rumored,
about to be made in the management of
the Morning Press.
Two extra coaches were attached to
the noon train today.
Doctors? Pshaw! Take BEEcHAM's PILLS.