The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-05-10
Franklin Jury Stood Eleven to One for
Twenty-Five Hours Against Drug
gist oysters Murderers.
DEATH PENALTY EXPECTED
And the Town Citizens Openly
Criticise the Verdict.
Brotherhood of Firemen's Executive
Board i'm Session at Terre Haute-
Church Missionary Societies.
Special to the INDIANAPOLIS journal.

FRANKLIN. Ind. May ~9.-"Imprison-
ment for life" is the verdict Of the jury
in the second trial of John Parker and
Edward McAfee for the murder of Charles
Eyster. This decision was reached at $3.50
O'Clock this afternoon, when nearly every
one had decided that the jury would finally
disagree. At 8 o'clock this morning the
jury was asked by Judge Johnson IL there
was any possibility Of soon reaching a ver-
dict. The foreman replied that there was
not at that time, and they were returned
TO the jury room. Many took this as being
favorable to the defendants, although it
was not known on what point the jury was
hanging. With the tolling Of the court
house bell this afternoon the court room
filled almost instantly with people from
all directions, who focked to hear the de-
cision of the. jury. Parker and McAfee
were brought in handcuffed together, as
usual, and occupied their customary seats.
There was an air of Indifference about
them and but little apparent dread of the
announcement of the verdict. The jury
filed slowly in, and in response to a query
from Judge Johnson foreman Ditmars an
nounce that the jury had reached a YER
dict and handed the paper to Clerk Byfield,
who. In a clear voice. read the decision. as
follows:
1--WE. the jury, find the defendants guilty
of murder in the first degree and affix pun
ishment at Imprisonment for life."
At the request of Mr.. Healing, for the de-
Tense, the jury was polled- Each man re-
sponded that this was his verdict and that
he was still content with that decision.
Turning to the negroes the court asked:
Gentlemen, is there any reason why
Judgment should not be rendered on the
verdict?'
MIR. Healing stated that no action had
yet been decided On by the attorneys for
the defendants. The jury was then dis
charged, having served nineteen days in
the prisoners was deferred until the first
of next week. No motion was made for a
new trial.
Edward McAfee stated after the adjourn
ment of court that when the case comes
up he will make a statement TO tn. court.
What that statement will be he did not
say, nor did he give any hint. The feeling
were lucky. In fact, the sentiment is very
strong hat the jury should have pro-
bounced the death penalty. and their action
is much criticised. The first ballot taken
by the jury after its retirement last even
ing was on the guilt OF the accused. and
every juror voted them guilty of murder
in the first degree. on the first ballot
for the death penalty and four for life
were for the death penalty, and on the
third ten were for IL. On the fourth ballot
only one juror stood for life Imprisonment
e. p. Lowe. They remained thus until
this morning. Lowe refusing TO change
his position Finally. in order that a YER
dict might be reached. all agreed on the
life sentence. Mrs. Eyster expressed her.
self as very well pleased with the verdict.