Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-12-07
~ HANDS OF JURY.
ase of Emmett f. v..-n: on Trial
for Murder.

for Murder.
Epecia Dispatch TO The Evening Star.
ROCKVILLE. Nd, December THE con-
Eluding arguments to the jury in the case
against Emmett f. Griffin of Washington,
whose trial for the murder of Albert A
Johnson also of Washington, at Cabin John
bridge last April begun in the Circuit court
here yesterday morning, were finished
lbout H. 30 o'clock today, at which time
he case was given to the jury.
Upon the resumption Of the case this
ncrning Mr. Edward c. Peter began the
dosing argument for the defense. He
poke for about fifty minutes and made a
Itrong plea. He was followed by States
attorney Talbot, who closed for the state
n q forcible speech of an hour as at
yesterdays proceedings, the prisoners
parents occupied seats close to their son.
Ind listened intensely to everything that
ranspired. At l o'clock no verdict had
been returned and there said to be no
prospect of an early agreement
Evidence for the State.
After the Stars report of yesterdays pro-
teedings closed, Dr. Linthicum of Rockville
was called to the witness stand. He testi-
lied that he assisted DR.. Glazebrook of
Washington in the post-mortem examina-
ion of Johnson and that his death was
fuced by a blow with some blunt instru-
nent. James E. Greer of Washington testi-
He'd that he accompanied Johnson to Cabin
John bridge the evening of April 10. They
3arrived there about 80 o'clock, and started
On the return to Washington about dark.
AFTER they reached the electric car line,
johnson went back to buy some peanuts,
but as he remained unusually long, witness
went in search of him. He could not find
him, however, but saw a man surrounded
by seven or eight men lying on the bridge.
Witness looked at him. but did not recog-
.nize him, as his face was covered with
blood. Believing that Johnson had returned
10 Washington, witness again started for
The electric cars The man witness saw iy-
ing on the bridge was brought down and
placed on the same ear. When Washington
WAS reached. Greer had his attention called
10 the fact that the injured man was john
Son. On cross-examination Greer stated
that johnson had drank three bottles or
beer that afternoon.
| James Porter, q Georgetown merchant,
Testified that he Witnessed a difficulty be-
tween two men near a peanut stand at
the east end of government bridge, and saw
Dne strike the other. He heard some one
say XIII him, DANNY " One man ran
past witness. He was followed by another
who overlook the first man at the top OF
he steps leading up to the bridge; and,
patching him by the collar turned him
around and struck him twice. The man
who was struck ran across the bridge, and
the other followed. Witness went upon the
bridge and saw man lying there with his
lace covered with blood. Witness recog-
nized the injured man as the one who was
Struck at the top of the steps. Witness did
hot know either man.
| The state next put witnesses on the
STAND to prove that the man who ran after
johnson and was seen to strike him at
cabin John bridge was called Taps by
his friends at the bridge that evening. and
] hat he, Griffin, is known in Washington
by that name.
Robert f. Dennson testified that he met
Griffin at Cabin John bridge April ID by
appointment. He stated that he became in
3-olved in a difficulty with man who was
hinder the influence OF liquor. and that blows
passed between them. He lost sight of
tIrifhn. and the latter later told witness
that he ran after the man who had struck
him (DennisOn) to catch him and have him
hrrested and that the man fell down, but
be did not believe he had hurt himself.
Detective Herndon testified that he heard
Griffin admit that he ran after Johnson for
! he reasons stated by Dennison.
Testimony for Defense.
For the defense DR.. Schaffer of Washing
on gave as his opinion that an injury, such
As Johnson sustained. could have been
faused by falling and striking his head on
smooth surface. Other witnesses testified
hat the surface OF Cabin John bridge was
bot smooth.
Griffin also testified. He gave a recital of
What occurred prior to the time Johnson
received his injuries. He admitted that it
vas he who ran after Johnson. but denied
that he struck him, and declared that he
Johnson stumbled and fell. He explained
! hat he tried to catch up with him SO as to
have him arrested for striking his friend
pennison.
| Upon the conclusion of Griffins testimony
Mr.. Talbot began his opening address to
he jury. He spoke briefly, and was fol-
owed by Mr.. E. B. Hay for the defense,
who consumed about an hour. Upon the
conclusion of Mr.. Hays address the court
adjourned.