The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-01-22
LUETGERT IN TEARS
THE BIG SAUSAGE MAKER TESTI-
FIEs IN HIS OWN BEHALF,
And Weeps Freely While Relating In
cidents of His Life-Chris Merry
Convicted of Murder.

CHICAGO, Jan. 21.-Adolph l.. Luetgert
went on the witness stand to-day ard told
to the jury the story Of the doings in his
sausage factory on the night of May /.
He endeavored to explain the mystery sur
rounding the disappearance of his wife, for
whose murder he is being tried An i'm
mense crowd gathered around the Criminal
Court building long before the bur!y de-
PENDANTS case was called, but, warned by
experience, the police only allowed those
to enter who had tickets of admission.
Judge Gary's courtroom was packed some
time before the opening hour. There were
an unusual number of women present.
Prior to going on the witness stand Luet-
CERT, while taking exercise in the Jail, was
accompanied by James Smith, who has been
en- trial with Chris Merry for the murder
of Merrys wife. Smith was extremely
nervous over the outcome of the jury's de-
alterations in his case, but Luetgert spoke
encouragingly to him II received an invita-
tion to a masquerade ball which takes place
on Feb. 81 said Luetgert to his companion.
I'll let you have it. You'll be able to use
it before / WILL
After relating the story Of the various
financial deals in which he was interested,
Luetgert was asked if, during the time he
was first engaged in business he was mar
RED To this Luetgert replied in the affirm
alive Il was married to Miss Pauline
RgeIke in 1S72,'' said the defendant mt
"Oh, / don't know. / never could spell
it," was Luetgert's reply.
Attorney Harmon, counsel for the de-
Tense, then went into Luetgert's financial
affairs at the time of Mrs. Louisa Luet-
gert's disappearance, and drew out the
statement that Luetgert was worth $4,000,
exclusive of real estate. Attorney Harmon
then asked Iuetgert when his first wife
died.
I'm November, 1877"
And how long were you wldoWer?
Until January, 1879"
At this point Luetgert broke down a.ld
commenced crying like a child. Seeing the
condition his client was in Attorney Harmon
asked for a recess, but Judge Gary refused
to allow it and after a few moments Luet-
CERT regained control of himself The dis
play of grief drew smiles TO the face Of
Police Captain Schuettler, who occupied a
seat Immediately behind the defendant, and
the jurors looked on in establishment as
Luetgert buried his face in his hands and
sobbed.
Before you. were married where did you
and your little boy Arnold live?" was the
next question.
Il slept in the store myself and my boy
at my mother-in-1aw's.
when were you married the second
timer? Luetgert was then asked by his
counsel
I'm 1878, to Louise Bicknese." There was
not a trace of emotion in the voice of Luet-
CERT as he mentioned the name of the
woman he is charged with having murdered
The defendant then told of various places
he and his wife had lived and of his going
into business >at his latest location in 1879
The court at this point took recess.
At the afternoon session Mr.. Luetgert ex-
planned several passages between himself
and his wife, as testified to by state wit
nesses. When he was asked a question he
looked down, then glanced up bit his lips
and swallowed. He leaned back in his seat
and drummed audibly with the pencil. FL
nally he reached back for his pocket hand
kerchief. Judge Gary was watching him
closely. At this point he said the defendant
had been on the stand nearly three hours,
and the court would adjourn until to-mor-
row. Luetgert proved to be very lachry-
nose witness, his tears coming frequently
and in considerable volume whenever the
name of his wife was brought into the case
He will take the stand again tomorrow. .