Arizona republican., 1894-09-01
WILL END TODAY.
Yesterdays Work at the Crouch
 Examination.
The Principal Defendant Makes a Statement Concerning the kilI-
 ing and Incidents Leading to It.

The preliminary examination of Crouch, Price and Johnson was contin- ued yesterday until nearly 10 o'clock at night. Five witnesses were examined for the territory, and the statements of Crouch and Price were taken. Charles M. Bowers, Crouch's stepson, was sworn, after which the proceedings were adjourned until o'clock this morning.
 No light in addition to the result of the coroner's inquest was thrown upon the affair. Dr. Mahoney was the first witness, but hls testimony was of 8 formal character and related only to the nature of Leon's wound. The testimony of Mrs. Vol Gentry, Patricio Leon, Car melita Castro and Sam Gentry was the same as that at the inquest.
 J. fl. Ivy, who testified at the in- quest that meeting Sam Gentry, John- son and others the night before the shooting, one of them told him there would be "a killing down there tomor- row." The witness was unable to re- member which one of them had said so.
 Mrs. Crouch was present all day and during the night session at her hus- bands side affording him all comfort possible. The most interesting event of the examination was the principal defendants statement. It was made late last night. There were compara- lively few spectators, the court room was dimly lighted and so silent that every word fell with strange distinct ness. The defendant at the beginning exhibited strong emotion which was only partially controlled as he pro- ceeded.
 q was informed" he began, "the night before that some Mexicans jumped my ranch. I did not know who they were, but was told that Leon's team had been seen on the place. did not think when I started down that Leon had moved on the ranch, but he was my enemy and | supposed that he had induced strange Mexicans to move on for the purpose of annoying me. We had no intention of using violence in putting them off, but we thought if we all went there to- gether they would go of quietly"
 Of the events immediately preced Ing the shooting he said that when they reached the camp he and Price got out Of the wagon. Leon was working near the corner of the shack and the defend ant approached him and asked him what he was doing on the ranch. Leon replied that he was there to stay. The defendant told him he didn't want any trouble with him, whereupon Leon said he could have trouble if he wanted it. The defendant said that if Leon would not leave peaceably he would have him put off by law, and Leon said ''come on with your law" At this juncture occurred Leon's demon. stration with the shovel and sub- sequently with the knife when the defendant drew his revolver and "threw it down on him." Leon walked away and the defendant also walked in a parallel course, fearing that Leon was going to the tent to get gun. When he reached the point where the iron bar was sticking in the ground Leon seized it and having brought it up the defendant fired. He believed in his excitement that the bar was rifle and knew no better until it was picked up from the ground by one of the party.
 It was noticeable that always in his statement he avoided giving name to the crowning event of the tragedy. That is. he never used the words "killed" or twas shot," Desert ping incidents dating from or previous to this occurrence he always said "be- fore" or "after," but never before or after what.
 He described at considerable length the nature of his claim upon the proper ty, and touched upon the trouble with Leon over the canal and which is now in court. He also explained why the wagon on that morning contained so many guns. Since the trouble over the ditch began he and Price never felt they were safe in that neighboehood, and never went there to work without having arms where they could be got at on short notice, for skirmish was al- ways thing to be expected.
 The case will be concluded today.