The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-01-01
BOOKED FOR THE MINES.
RoBBER TURNER CONVICTED AND
PERKINS PLEADS GUILTY.

to Mercy, Causes General Surprise.
Judge O'Byrne's Plea Of Hypnotic
Infiuencein Favor of Turner Fails 60
Save Him-rhe Full Story OF the Rob
berry Finally Brought Out-rhe Pris-
oners to Be Sentenced Tomorrow.
The express robbers trials are at an end.
They wound up last night by the conviction
of J. A. Turner Of robbery by intimidation,
with a Recommendation to mercy, and the
entering Of a plea of guilty 10 the same
grade of crime by J. Z. Perkins.
1t was the most interesting day Of the
trials, being a succession Of surprises from
the opening of the case Of Turner to the
verdict Of the jury last night after o'clock,
the latter probably being the greatest sur
prise Of all
Turner's trial began at $3.50 o'clock. He
was defended by Judge D. A. O'Byrne and
George W. Owens, Esq, and
the hypnotic influence speech of
Judge O'Byrne, in behalf Of his
client, which was quite eloquent at tim es
probably hypnotised the jury into letting
their sympathies get the upper hand. The
full story of the robbery, its planning and
contamination, came out on the witness
stand, each Of the prisoners making full
and free statement. There wasn't many
strikes by either the state or defense.
THE JURY.
The jury was as follows:
Charles A. Ulmer, Henry E. Dreeson,
John H. Grimm, Lawrence A. Beranc,
George J. Bradley, John G. DeMartin,
Thomas O'Brien, Charles Schleioher,
Isaiah 81. Chip COLI, Jacob S. Collins,
John J. Foley, Henry Strauss.
There was not as much interest mani
Tested in Turner's trial during the morning
as had been in DeLaughter's, the crowd not
being so large although it was quite suffi-
Gent to fill the court room comfortably.
One of the most interested spectators during
the proceedings was capt. Anon DeLaugh-
ter, father of the convicted robber-leader.
Turner's wife, with her babe. occupied a
seat alongside her husband, and paid close
attention to the testimony which was con-
signing the faithless man, who should have
been her protector, to the coal mines. With
all his crimes she was still loving wife,
and even while Alice White, the Illicit
companion of her husband, was testifying
against him she never even gave "A glance of
reproach at the man who had promised at
the altar TO love, to honor and protect her,
and then proved recreant to the vow.
THE EVIDENCE.
The evidence was a repetition of that pro-
duced against DeLaughter, with the excep-
ton of that OF Conductor Clarcy, of the
City aud Suburban railroad, who testified
that several days before the robbery was
committed Turner, in the course of con-
versation, remarked that it would be an
easy thing to rob a Central train, and he
believed he could hold it up by himself,
single-handed, and make coed his escape.
The state closed at o'clock and an adj
journment was taken until 4 o'clock. When
the court rec0nvened the crowd was equal
TO that of the two days previous. Judge
O'Byrne announced that Turner desired to
make a statement to the jury Of his connec-
tion with the robbery.
Mr.. duBignon asked Judge Falligant to
allow DeLaughter TO be present during
Turner's statement, as the convicted pris-
oner had made a special request to that
effect, aud Mr.. Morgan his attorney. also
desired that his client be accorded that
privilege. Judge O'Byrne objected, but
Judge Falligant overruled it, saying that he
saw no objection and ordered DeIaughter
brought In. The prisoner walked in smil-
ing and took "a seat directly facing his COM
panion. who occupied the witness chair
DeLaughter curled his lip in contempt as
his eyes met Turner's
TURNER'S STORY.
The robber on trial told his story with
perfect coolness and as if he expected it to
secure an acQuittal. The story was interest,"
ing and was listened to with close attention
by every one.
After going into the details of how he
met DeLaughter after sending his family
away, Turner said: "DeLaughter suggested
that as my family was away no and
should live together in u house which he
had rented, as it would be cheaper for both
of US. That was in July. was sick at the
time. | went to house in Henry street
where there were several girls living.
About the last week in August DeLaughter
took Minnie Ward aud moved to the
'Craw. He sent Perkins to stay with me
while he was away.
I'm about week DeLaughter moved
back with Minnie. Sept he quit work at
the road. We all took a walk down to
Broughton street, and DeLaughter asked
Perkins to stand him off for suit of clothes.
he agreed aDd went to store where Per-
kins was known. He got suit of clothes
for himself and also some things for the
girls.
''On our way back l had a chill. De-
Laughter and Perkins we're talking about
going to Florida and asked me If | would
like to go along. | said didn't have any
money, but DeLaughter said Never mind,
If you'll agree TO go, III furnish the money.
The trip will benefit your health, ANYHOW.
told him l would be glad to go II he would
furnish the money.
THE CROSSING OF HANDS.
"At that time we had reached South
Broad street, and DeLaughter stopped and
crossing his hands said: We'll, if you agree
TO go shake bands took one hand aud
Perkins the other. DO you know what that
meansT said DeLaughter. 1t means death.
You have shaken the hands of an outlaw. |
have been a robber for four years and have
served term. II either of you betray me
III kill you | would kill my own mother
II she betrayed me-
ave all went home and went to bed.
Next morning DeLaughter went down
town and brought back a pistol, for which
he said he had paid SO %. l was lying on
the bed. He threw me the pistol and re-
marked, How'll that do your l answered,
Yes, any kind of pistol will do me- How
do you feel, anyhow asked DeLaughter.
Pretty bad l answered. We'll, | want
you for some work tomorrow night
what are You going to dog asked. He
replied, i intend to rob No. 8, and want
you to help me- i never stole anything in
my life said l to him, and won't help
you You must co. replied DeLaughter.
You know what told you. pll kill you IL
you don't CO.
II knew he meant what he said and told
him would 60 Next morning DeLaugh-
ter came to the room and told Perkins and
and myself that he wanted US to go out.
Bring your pistols he said. We took the
pistols and went through Laurel Grove