The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-01-19
KANSAS NEWS.
Craig Murder Trial at Junction
City Opens.
DR.. s. w. WillistOn Testifies
Against Mrs. Krebs.
BLOOD ON CLOTHING
But None Found ON the KreinitZ
Boys, Also Suspects.
Great Interest in the Trial
Courtroom Crowded.

Junction City, Jan. 19.-The opening
of the Craig murder trial, in which Mrs.
John Krebs is the defendant, took place
in the circuit court yesterday before
packed house. Hundreds of people
were turned away because of lack OF
room. The major portion of the day
was consumed in taking the coroner's
testimony and other routine matters.
Prof. S. w. Williston of Lawrence
first took the stand. He had received a
bundle of clothes from Roark and
Humphrey, who identified the clothes,
consisting of hat and cloak, which he
sealed in a FELLOWSHIP. Had found spots
on sleeves and breast, which agree with
mamalion blood, also a number OF mi
mute specks of same kind in different
part of the garment. He produced
microscope and submitted the garments
to jury. Court instructs jurors, at re-
quest of county attorney, to examine
spots each for himself without remarks.
Prof Williston said two or three had
been obliterated by his preliminary
tests. He pointed out several blood
stains in front and several on tail.
Wasn't sure he had seen all. He ex-
hibited the hat and said stains were
very minute; he found four and there
might be a few more. Found several
spots on underskirt; said sleeves APP
peared to have been washed, apparent
ly with cold water. Didn't examine all
looked like the same. Witness said
shoes contain some animal fluid, but
could not find sufficient to say positive
ly but said it seemed as if blood had
soaked into the shoes. Witness did not
find anything on dress skirt, waist or
cape. He stated that one couldn't wash
blood off fur without leaving stains.
He found no specks on fur.
Judge Germany, who sat as coroner
on the Craig case, was next called He
told of his visit to the Kreinitz farm
where the murder occurred, described
the mutilations on the dead woman and
also described the size and contents of
the room.
When shown a map of the premises,
he pointed out the position of objects in
the room. He said Mrs. Krebs was
there and was not excited. He was
there in the carriage with Mrs. Krebs.
She said she would go down in the base
ment and get warm. She was taken
into the room after the body had been
washed and was covered. Said she did
not want to see the body. She showed
no emotion, and answered questions de-
lberately. Witness said she took off
her overshoes, but did not stand while
they were off. He told of the examina-
ton of the ashes in her stove where
they found dress stays, a button and
some beads. Stove had little ashes.
Witness then told of the second trip
to farm to determine the route taken
by Mrs. krebs on her return home.
Witness said the Kreinitz boys
clothes were examined and no blood
was found. He afterwards did not re-
member as to the examination of
Franks clothes. He spoke of the ex-
animation of blood spot on Kreinitz
boys trunks, but coroner did not ex-
anime himself The same was true of
his examination of the stove. The wit
ness finally admitted that he did not
understand maps presented in evidence
John and Frank Kreintiz, who occu-
pied the basement of the house in which
the tragedy occurred, testified that
they heard the scuff1e. John Kreinitz
said that he heard the Craig woman
calling for help. John Kreinitz how
ever, bears an unsavory reputation, and
is said to have attempted to assault
Mrs. Craig at one time. 1t is also said
that he threatened to kill her after
wards if she spoke of his attempt.