The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1900-06-12
aILLIGAN MURDER TRIAL.
Sensational Testimony for the Defense.

|
A O. Gilligan is being tried in Isle
II Wight county for the murder Of his
sweetheart's father. He does not deny
the killing, but claims that it was in
self.defense Much curiosity is aroused
over what attitude Miss Turner will
display whether for or against her
lover and fathers murderer She is a
beautiful blonde. tall graceful and cul-
tivatcd.
When the court convened Friday,
Sheriff Edwards, of Surry county. wss
put on the stand He told his story
practically as follows: Gillignn came
to his house at s O'Clock on the morn
Ing of January 10 aud he arrested him
and took him to the Petersburg jail.
On the way Gilligan told him that on
Monday or Tuesday night previous to
the shooting he was at Bacon's Castle,
that there was a church supper and
| that Miss Turner called him aud he
went 10 her. She told him to come to
her house the next night. lie also saw
her at Ferguson's Wharf on Wednes.
day aud she again invited him to come
and said she would throw herself over.
board il he did not promise to come.
He went there and waited and after
ward Mrs Turner aud Miss Turner
drove up. Mrs Turner went into the
house aud Miss Isabell greeted him and
told him to wait until she had got her
gam boots and she would join him He
waited and she came ont with light,
which he made her put out
They then went into the stable lot
and stood beside tree. He had his
left arm around the girls waist and
she had her right arm around his neck.
He had a gun in his right hand, with
the muzzle resting on his right foot
While standing there they heard foot
steps and ceased talking. Mr.. Turner
he said, approached them with a gun
raised TO his shoulder He (Gilligan)
raised his gun quickly and fred, and
Mr.. Turner fell in his tracks. They
stood a few moments and Miss Turner
returned TO the house, promising never
ID divulge that he had killed him. Gil
ligan further said to the sheriff that he
would have run that night, but the
young lady held him but he was sorry
he did not run.
Glligan told witness that his rele-
tions with Miss Turner had been too
intimate, and stated that Gilligan mar
rated alleged happenings rejecting on
Miss Turner.
Colonel Boykin declared the great re.
gret that he and Mr.. Holland felt to
bring out this statement, but that his
duty was plain aud he was compelled |
to give all the confession He further
argued that if Gilligan WAS there at
such a time to betray the only child of
O Beverly Turner he was deprived Of
the right Of self defense Colonel Boy.
kir made a most eloquent speech, de-
manding the confession be admitted 10
full Mr. Holland followed and with
great vigor scored Gilligan for the re-
ports that he had circulated regarding
Miss Turner. He told of the insidious
spreading Of such reports, and that the
lady was already Injured to the full ex-
tent that Gilligsn was able to defame
her. Thank God, " he said, lit is net
in the power Of such man TO ruin the
character Of this young lady "
Sheriff Edwards further stated that
Gilligan told him that he once loved
Miss Turner, but he had then lost re.
spect for her.
Judge Hinton for the first time read
from one Of the love letters. My Dear
est One: cannot allow you to come to
the window, because l think the negro
who brings this note knew you were
here the other night, and he is waiting
out, and mother is going TO stay in my
room tonight. Unless you meet me at
the fence, near the woodhouse, then
cannot see you.