Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-04-13
HOPKINS MAY HANG.
.AveHo,cT or MURDER AGAINST PAR
SoNS's SLAYER.


II ,ooks very much as II Morris Hop
kiu,, the negro tried In the Henrico Coun-
~ Court for the murder Of Mr.. Henry 8.
Parsons, will hang.
The Jury yesterday morning rendered n
verdict against him, finding him guilty
az charged in the indictment. His coun-
gel moved to set aside the verdict as
contrary to the law and evidence In the
case. and to arrest judgment. These mo-
tons we're argued at length yesterday al
ternoon. and Judge Wickham took time
to consider the points raised.
MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE.
The Jury were not agreed when the
court reconyened at II o'clock yesterday,
but forty-fve minutes later they came in
with verdict. The prisoner was told by
the Clerk to stand up. Morris compiled
with this command, but looked around
somewhat nervously. Foreman Larus
then announced that the jury had agreed
upon a verdict. and that 1t was that the
accused was guilty of murder In the hrst
degree There was slight start by the
prisoner, who afterwards took his seat.
Counsel for the defence then moved 70
set the verdict aside as contrary TO the
law and evidence In the case. The Judge
fixed o'clock In the afternoon as the
hour for the argument of this motion.
AN INTERVIEW WITH NORRIS.
AS Morris was taken back to Jail there
was sorrowfui-looking crowd OF col
ored persons about the courthouse. A
great many of them were relatives OF
the condemned man. The thick under
than it usually had, and Its wearer was
picture OF despair. Norris, after he had
been lodged in his cell, was seen by A
Dispatch reporter and asked few oues-
tons concerning his case. He said he
did not know whether he would ever
get out of this scrape or not, and was
determined to stand whatever came,
About two weeks ago he protested reii-
gion and was trying TO live as good
life as ne could People had lied on MIN,
but they also lied on Christ. Morris said
that he used to live on Judge Wickhams
farm. and that his father was now work
ing on the plantation Of the Judge. The
prisoner declared that he was only IL
years of age. but many persons beheve
him 10 be more than q. He certainly Is
quite young He Is kept In cell TO
himself, and when the Dispatch man
visited him Morris was lying face down.
ward upon his bunk, and appeared 20 be
weeping.
ARGUMENT AND TINE.
1t was o'clock when Judge Wickham
reascended the bench yesterday after
noon. and argument on the motions made
by counsel for the defendant began.
Mr. Justis made the opening speech
reciting the numerous points to which
the accused had noted exceptions. He
held the attention of the court for
about three-quarters Of an hour and
was followed by Mr.. Sands for the Conn
monwealth. who brought forward au-
thorities and references TO break down
the objections raised by the attorney for
the prisoner. and briefly touched upon
the evidence in the case. MessrA Car
nett and Thomas made the closing
speeches in behalf Of the defence. and
Judge Wickham said he would have to
take time 10 consider the argument. The
court then. at $50 O'Clock. adjourned
for the day.
NOTES ABOUT THE CASE.
1t is not yet definitely settled as to
whom the reward of 500 offered by the
State for the arrest and conviction Of
the slayer of Mr.. Parsons will go. While
man claim the money on the strength
OF having delivered the fugitive into the
hands OF Jailer RUSSELL, there are others
who believe that the jailer has n claim
on the reward. having arrested the man.
Mr.. Russell has not put in a claim for
the money.
The jury. IL Is said, were hung on the |
case Wednesday night, by three OF the |
panel, who were not satisfied that the |
death Of Parsons was not s,Iperinduced |
~ malpractice, in the operation performed |
on him.
The counsel for the defence In this |
case are Messrs. w. NJ. Justis, Jr, Hay |
Garnett. and George Washington Thomas. |
Those for the Commonwealth are Messrs |
r. Sands and II. NJ Smith, Jr |
The expenses of the defence were borne |
by Hopkins's father who disposed of a |
horse and other personal property he |
hac to pay the attorneys who defended |
his son.