Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-11-21
JOE DUDLEY WANTED
Responsible for the Death of Nellie
Armstsad
Result of the Coroner's Inquest Today
The Fatal How-Struck
with Stone.

This afternoon at l o'clock. at the six II
precinct, Coroner Hammet' held an inques
in the case Of fthe colore,. woman. Nellie
Armstead. who died at Freedman's Hospl
tai Tuesday morning from the effects Of q
blow alleged to have been inflicted three
months ago by young colored man named
Joseph Dudley, as published in Tuesdays
Star. Deputy Coroner Glazebrook was the
first witness examined. and he told of the
hole in the woman's skull, through which
the brain protruded. and expressed surprise
that she had lived so long. Menensltis, he
said. was the cause Of death.
DR.. Shepherd of Freedman's Hospital, who
attended the woman, told the jury of her
serious condition when she was brought tc
the hospital. He said she was frantic and
insisted on being taken home. Witness told
Of an opera ton performed on her and OF
her treatment and death.
Henry Armstead, father OF the dead girl
was called, but as he knew nothing or the
circumstances of the trouble he was ex-
cused.
The Fatal Blow.
James Henry Wilkins, young colored
man. who lives in "Howardtown,' and was
known to both Dudley and the dead girl,
testified that about IL o'clock ON the even
ing Of the occurrence he was on his way
home. and when near Casey's store on VIII
son street Dudley called to him: Look
out" and threw stone. The stone struck
the girl on the right side of her head and
picking her up, and taking her to the hos
pitai.
WAS there any quarrel?" the witness
was asked.
Yes, sir
what was 1t about?'
Il don't know. but I heard something
said about hat"
What kind of stone did he strike her
WITH"
"A big cobblestone" was his response.
Did he throw 1t with much force?'
Yes. sir
Witness said that girl named Lucy
West with whom Dudley kept company,
was there.
Policeman Mcdonnell said he had been
unable to fad her this morning.
More Witnesses.
William Hawkins a young colored man,
who is serving time In Jail on charge Of
assault. was brought up from Jail and
sworn q witness.
He testified that he was coming along
Wilson street about II :45 on the night of
the occurrence when he heard some one
say: Don't hit her with brick" When
he went across the street the girl Nellie
was lying the street, and when he asked
who struck her. Nelson Wood responded
" 'Toot' Dudley"
Witness said that no ore would help the
girl. and fe picked her up and took her
to the hosp al. Son the way to the hospital
but did not Say Who struck her. Witness
was told that Dudley got angry at Nellie
Armstead refusing to let '.Tootsey" West
wear her new hat.
Some days after the affair he met Dudley
on the street, and the latter had shaved
his mustache He asked witness ii the
police were after him Dudley. and witness
told him no. Witness and Dudley were
friends before this affair. Dudley ind Mel
son Wood were companions. and he though:
the two Of them had gone away together.
do you live N Hcwardtown? asked q
juror.
Yes, sir" he answered: Il was born and
raised in Howardtown and expect to go
back there wnen get out"
The Verdict.
julia Hatton. colored. testified that she
was on her way to the pump when she
heard the fussing. She did not see Dudley
pick up the stone, but she did see him
throw it
Other evidence was heard, and the jury
returned a verdict holding Dudley re-
sponsible for Nellie Arms tead's DEATH but
he was not committed to jail for the reason
that he has not yet been apprehended.