The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1896-05-13
THE KILLING OF N[ND[LL
John A. Barker of Pasadena on
Tral for the Crime
A MANS MAD lNFATUATION
The Peculiar Circumstance Leading Up
to the Tragedy
Trial Of the BalIerino Divorce Suit Come
menced Behind Closed Doors-lnsanity
Examinatlons-court News

John A. Barker, the Pasadena barber.
who shot and killed a German gardener
named William Hendell in a little can
yon near that place. for debauching his
wife and threatening his own life, was
on trial on a charge of murder before
Judge Smith in department one of tho
superior court yesterday. But little diff
iiculty was experienced in securing a
jury, and then the taking of testimony
was commenced Only three witnesses
were examined on behalf Of the people,
and then Barker took the stand in his
own behalf He had not concluded at
the hour of adjournment, and will re-
sumo his statement this morning. Bar
ker and his wife had become reconciled
before the shooting. and Mrs. Barker oc-
cupied seat in the courtroom during
the entire day. She Is rather attrac-
tive looking little woman, but shows
signs of the ordeal through which she
has passed. The prosecution Is being
conducted by Assistant District Attor-
ney Williams, while the defense is In the
hands of Mr.. Wright of Pasadena and
Judge r. A. Ling.
The circumstances leading UP to the
shooting make a most peculiar story. 1t
appears that Mrs. Barker knew Hendell
in Illinois, and before her marriage, 1t
is alleged, was engaged to him. AT any
rate this was broken off, and she mar
ried Barker and came to California.
Hendell followed, and almost at once re-
sumed his attentions to Mrs. Barker.
The relations between them finally
caused so much scandal that Barker and
his wife separated, he taking the chill
dren. On the woman's promise to break
off with Hendell Barker allowed her to
take the children. and she established
herself in a home in Pasadena. Hendell
was apparently infatuated with the wo-
man. and persisted in coming around
the house. despite the fact that Mrs.
Barker. who apparently was honestly
trying to redeem herself, repeatedly told
him to stay away, as she did not wish to
have anything to do with him. The man
habitually went armed, and publicly
threatened Bankers life, openly boast
ing of his relations with her and saying
that he intended to continue them, and
that If Barker made any protest he
would kill him. On one occasion he did
try to shoot Barker while he was out
with his wife, and would probably have
succeeded but for Mrs. Barker standing
in front of her husband to protect him.
On another occasion Hendell waylaid
Barker at a church, and also tried to XIII
him. and so terrorized both Barker ana
his wife that on several occasions they
left their house and went to a hotel for
safety. Matters finally came to such a
pass that a warrant was sworn out
against Hendell and he was bound over
to keep the peace. In default or pail ne
was sent to Jail for six months. In the
meantime Barker and his wife mad
moved to house in a canyon near Pas-
adena AS soon as Hendell got out OF
iail he made his way to Bankers house,
where he again threatened Barker's life.
Barker was away when he called, and on
his return his wife told him what had
taken place. They started out for as
sistance Barker carrying gun. lie
had gone but a short distance when he
came across Hendell crouching in the
brush, with his hand on his hip pocket
apparently waiting for him. Barker shot
first, killing him instantly. He then went
to Pasadena and gave himself up.