Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-06-12
Jury in.the Riddick Case Finally
Agree on a Verdict.
THREE YEARS PENlTENTlARY.
Was tho Punishment Fixed by tho Jury
cis Tho Prisoner Much Ancctcd-Fricnds
of tho Prisoner Looked for Acquittal-
Defense DIay Not Abide by Result and
HAY Ask for q New Trial jury Stood
@ to Almost to the Last Minute.
Especial to Virginian-Pnot.)

Lawrenceville, Va. June 1.-the court
was convened this morning at $50 o'clock
and but few spectators were present at
this early hour. The jury was called and
its foreman, VIM. 4. Short announced
that, no agreement had been reached and,
in his opinion. one could not be reached.
Tho court ordered the sheriff to take the
jury to their room.
UNABLE TO AGREE.
Mr.. r. 3. Davis. the only attorney pres
/. ent for the prisoner. held n consultation
with Mr.. Buford, the Attorney for the
Commonwealth. in which he suggested
compromise verdict, but these gentlemen
were unable to agree.
NOT AGREED AT lois.
AT 1915 o'clock tho jury were brought
Into court. They had not agreed.
Mr.. Davis stated to them that the ques-
ton of insanity uncertain one;
that this way very serious matter. The
prisoner was poor man: all he had and
all his father had had been spent in the
trial. and he hoped that the jury might
DO able to agree. He suggested n COM
promise verdict of manslaughtcr.
COMPROMISE VERDICT SUGGESTED.
II do not want to force any mans con-
science" said the speaker. but as this Is
not a question of fact. but of opinion, 1
suggest compromise.
Mr.. Buford replied: II do not think the
jury should be kept together longer than
is necessary to ascertain that. upon full
discussion and comparison of their views,
they are unable to agree. A verdict
which is compelled by keeping the jury in
confinement longer than that is not the
unanimous consent contemplated. 1 do
not agree with the views expressed by
Mr.. Davis as TO the basis of agreement
suggested by him.
AS TO NIANSLAuGHTER
'Manslaughtcr Is killing under the
Impulse of passion upon provocation, be-
tore there Is time for reflection and, as
to this. the jury have been fully instruct
ed. adhere to the views which I en-
pressed to the jury in my argument that,
II the prisoner is not insane he Is I'M
doubtedly guilty OF murder in the first
degree, and while some of the jury, no
doubt entertain this view. still If there is
doubt upon their minds. Il verdict of
murder in the second degree would do full
justice to the prisoner, he could be
transferred to an asylum if he should
really develop symptoms OF insanity; and.
If he did not confinement in the pcnitcn-
tiary for eighteen years would be
milder punishment than the law provides
for his offence"
The jury retired to their room and mt
1850 O'Clock knocked for paper. 4 few
minutes later they were brought into tho
courtroom and the foreman stated to the
court that the jury had agreed upon a
verdict.
AGREED ON VERDICT.
Mr.. Davis Informed the prisoner and the
minister's face was Il study.
He was visibly moved and closely eyed
each juror as he took his seat
The clerk asked: Gentlemen, have you
agreed upon your verdct?"
The foreman. Mr.. Short. replied that
they had.
The clerk then said: ~. f.. Riddick
stand up" Mr.. Davis repeated the words
in the ear trumpet of the prisoner). lie
obeycd. Then tho solemn words Of the
verdict were read and Immediately re-
peated by Mr.. Davis to the prisoner
RIDDICK MUCH AFFECTED.
He was much affected and could
scarcely control his emotions The jury
was then thanked by the court for
patience. etc. and dismissed.
Mr. Davis moved that the court set the
verdict aside rs being contrary to the law
and evidence. He said that the motion
was merely formal and he did not think
he would insist OH it. but he wished to
consult with the other attorneys for the
defence, and asked the court to adjourn
until Tuesday. the 18th, when he could
say positively the line the defence would
pursue. The court agreed and adjourned
court until the date.
LEFT ALL TO HIS ATTORNEY.
Mr.. Davis told the prisoner at the time
court had adjourned and the reply was
that he left the matter entirely In his
attorneys hands, believing that he would
do the best he could for him
When interviewed the foreman of the
jury, Mr. Short. said that until this morn
ing six of the Jury We're for a verdict Of
murder In the first degree and six were
for acquittal on the ground of insanity
The six who were for the extreme pen
atty then agreed to u verdict of murder
In the second degree. and finally, after
the addresses of the attorneys on each
side, the jury agreed on manslaughtcr
and the punishment al three years in the
pententlary.
Saratoga comes to town at Holmes
Drug Store 1872 Main St. You will now
find tho celebrated Saratoga Waters
Arondack and Catharta on draughi II,
l.nl.. -s.s