The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-01-26
BULLET THROUGH HIS BRAIN.
NEGRO FUGITIVE FROM JUSTICE
KILLED BY DEPUTY O'CONNOB.


ed in Two states-The Fugitive
Pointed Out by Another Negro
Who Had Followed Him-Coroner'S
Jury ENOnerated the officer.
William Hunter, colored, an escaped con-
rict for whose capture the Governor OF
Alabama offered a reward Of 500, was shoi
and instantly killed by Deputy Sheriff Ed-
ward w. O'Connor, yesterday mornlns'
while resisting arrest, near the corner Oh
Bay and Whitaker streets.
Hunter was wanted for a multiplicity OF
crimes He was an escaped convict from
Nashville, Tenn, where he was serving
15-year sentence, and also from the Pratt
coal mines, near Birmingham, Ala, on
sentence of twenty years for burglary ana
attempted murder. When arrested by po-
liceman at Birmingham, some months ago.
for burglary he shot and wounded the
officer. the ball taking effect in the neck
and proving almost fatal. He was arralgh-
ed, convicted and sentenced to ten years
In each case, but escaped within TOUR
months.
1t is said he only remained in the Nash
Vile penitentiary about the same length
of time, and was at large something IKE
three months before last arrested.
In Alabama Hunter was known as dan
gerous outlaw, which accounts for the re-
ward of $500 offered for his capture
The fugitive is thought to have reached
Savannah day before yesterday, and
though claimed otherwise, it was ap-
parent he was followed by a negro named
H. Ralph, who figured in the tragedy to
the extent of being a ''spotter" for the Of
ficers Ralph appears to have been on Hun
ter's track for some time, and claims he
had him located IN New Orleans some
weeks ago. The reward of $500 was an in
ducement sufficient to warrant Ralph IN
going to considerable trouble in running
down and capturing the convict
Night before last Hunter was located
and Ralph took a hack for County Detec-
tive Wetherhorn's home on Bolton street,
where he disclosed the information In
company with Ralph, Deputy O'Connor
and Detective Wetherhorn started for the
western part of town, but on arriving
there, Hunter had gone This ended the
search, which was given up for the time
being.
a vigilant watch was kept up, and
Ralph rar across the negro yesterday
reading papers on the Morning News bui-
letin board, and later at a little saloon at
Barnard and River streets The officers
were informed that Hunter was walking
the river front, and kept within reasona-
bic distance of Ralph, who was to locate
and point out the negro to them. Pres
entity Ralph and Hunter ran together on
Eay street near Whitaker, and were
soon engaged in conversation, both appa-
rsntly being strangers. Ralphs object, of
course, was TO detain Hunter until one of
the Officers appeared TO make the arrest.
what is your name? he asked, as
they stood against the railing just west
of VI. Fersts Sons & Co.'S wholesale
house.
Henry" Hunter replied
well, where are the gambling places
here: 1 want TO gamble"
II don't visit such places" Hunter re-
piled.
The conversation continued some time
about swapping shoes and other trivial
subjects, until Ralph became impatient
and got Hunter TO walk down the steps
to River street with the hope of meeting
one of the officers. Hunter went down
in advance, closely followed by Ralph and
just as the two reached the bottom Dep
uty O'Conner rounded the corner of Fersts
store and walked toward them. Quickly
giving the signal 10 the officer, Ralph re-
turned to retrace his steps, but was fol-
lowed by Hunter, who was still unaware
of the net into which he had fallen.
When they reached Bay street again.
Hunter turned to the railing to lace his
shoes, while Ralph walked toward the
fountain nearby, stopping in time to again
give Deputy OConner the signal before
the officer being satisfied of his man walk
ed up TO arrest him. Having been strongly
cautioned abouI Hunters vicious, desperate
character, 1t was not unnatural that he
used extraordinary care in approaching
him.
The deputy's first pass at the negro was
to grab his hip pockets with view to
disarming him. In this however, he was
fooled. Hunter had a brand new So
calbre revolver in his inside coat pocket,
which he drew instantly and opened fire
on the officer. Seeing the imminent dan
ger in which he was, Deputy O'Conner,
without showing excitement retreated to
an electric light pole a few feet away and
got behind it. Hunter had already fired
two intellectual shots when standing within
two feet of the officer, but was excited
and fired wild. He fired another shot af-
ter the officer got behind the pole.
From his position Deputy OConner
crouched down, and resting the revolver
on his elbow, fred four shots at Hunter
In quick succession. reserving the fifth
and last cartridge for an emergency. This
was not needed, however, as the negro
fell The blood gushed in a stream a foot
from his head.
The seven shots fired caused intense ex-
citement and within few moments sew
eral hundred people gathered at the scene
Mr. James M. Dixon, who witnessed the
tragedy, telephoned the police barracks
and within a few moments Detective Bar.
rett appeared and dsarmed Deputy OCon.
nor. Ralph also got into the crowd about
this juncture, having walked out Whita-
ker street when the firing began, les
Hunter should turn on him.
Coroner Goette was notified at the same
time and was on hand in a few minutes
He carried the body to his undertaking
rooms on Broughton street.
Detective Barrett took Deputy O'Connel
TO the barracks, where he was charged
with murder, and held subject to Tn,
coroners order. 1t was isot desired TO in
convenience the officer and arrangement
were made to hold the inquest at once
The witnesses were summoned and
Jury, consisting of G. A. Schneider, Georg
Coleman, w. II. Dyer, George w. Pol
lard, John Willard and j. r. Wohanka
10, inv a ha 1t