The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-19

Michael J. Hurney, q bartender, twenty
eight years of age, employed at a saloon in
Georgetown, was lodged at the Sixth pre-
cinct station last night, charged with re-
sponsibility for the death of Alberta.
Johnson, the plumber, who died Tuesday
afternoon at the Georgetown University
Hospital. The prisoner was arrested by
Detectives Peck and Herndon on warrant
sworn out by the Maryland authorities
Hurney was a witness at the inquest, held
yesterday afternoon, which resulted in a
verdict being returned declaring an I'M
known aseailant responsible for the crime
The police believe the evidence against the
accused to be slight and additional inves-
tigation will follow. Steps will be taken to
remove Hurney to Rockville. He denies
his guilt.
The warrant for Hurney's arrest was
sworn out before the inquest was held and
he was taken into custody Immediately
after a verdict was reached The Mont
gomery authorities are reticent regarding
the alleged evidence against Hurney upon
which their charge against him is based.
Since the assault on johnson, Sunday
night. the police have been busy upon the
case. They have been aided by the Mont
Williams has daily visited this city. Little
evidence CT importance was brought out
yesterday afternoon at the Coroner's in
quest.
4 jury of inquest met yesterday after
noon at o'clock at Lees undertaking
establishment, 800 Pennsylvania Avenue
northwest, where Johnsons remains had
been removed from the hospital. At the
close of the hearing verdict was returned
as follows:
we the jury, find that Albert A. John
son came TO his death from hemorrhage of
the brain, caused by a blow on the head,
struck by an unknown man. at Cabin John
Bridge, On Sunday, the 18th instant"
Prior to the opening of the inquest Depu-
ty Coroner Glazebrook performed an au-
topsy Oh the body of Johnson. He ex
planned to- the jury the condition Of the
body. He stated that the deceased was ap-
parently a robust, healthy man, weighing
about $50 poands. He described bruises OF
the face, and stated that death had result
ed from hemoThage of the brain. The
witness said that blunt instrument such
as a sandbag or a blackjack had been used
in striking the blow which resulted in
Johnson's death.
Mr.. Arthur McNamee, resident physician
of the Georgetown Hospital, gave evidence
TO the effect that Johnson's injury was
diagnosed as fracture of the skull, caus-
ing cerebral hemorrhage.
James E. Greer told the jury that he ac-
companied Johnson to Cabin John Bridge.
They arrived there about 5 o'clock and
met several friends About 7:30 O'Clock
they started home. The witness said he
boarded a car and Johnson started to get
some peanuts. Witness saw a crowd
near the peanut stand. He went to the
stand. While searching for Johnson he
saw man lying on the ground surrounded
by dozen persons, but failed to recognize
his friend. Later he boarded a car
upon which the wounded man was placed
and came 10 the city. He said he did not
know Johnson was injured until he was
placed in the patrol wagon. He explained
his failure to recognize johnson by say
ing that his friends features were dis
torted TO an unusual degree.
Herbert E. Kelly. of $50 New Hampshire
Avenue northwest. was called to the stand
but gave no testimony of Importance.
Detective Charles Peck related certain
facts brought out during the investigation
of the case. He said that Kelly was at
Cabin John Bridge Sunday last, and that
he had reason TO believe that he had writ
ten letter. to young woman annulling
an engagement because he had been in
some trouble at the bridge" Lloyd Cross,
who had been on the stand before, but
who had nothing of Importance to impart
to the jury was recalled. and cross-ex-
amined He finally testified 10 a emark
he had overheard regarding the case.
Daniel Flynn, OF 2226 Street northwest.
testified to meeting Johnson and Greer at
the bridge, but knew nothing Of the
tragedy.
Frank s. Fowler owns the peanut stand
at the bridge. He told the jury of an
alteration which he witnessed Sunday
night. He saw three men attack one.
Another man interfered and general fight
ensued. Several men started after one
man who fell.
Hugh Hurney. Of 1865 y Street north
west. testified that he was struck by an
unknown man at the bridge Sunday. lie
denied knowledge of the assault upon
johnson. Michael Hurney, brother OF
Hugh, was next called. He saw his brother
assaulted. This took place in I, ont OF the
hotel. The witness was also struck in the
head by an unknown man. but did not wit
ness the assault upon Johnson. He was
ignorant Of the johnson affair until reach
ing Georgetown. Herbert Kelly was here
recalled and questioned regarding the let
ter to a woman referred to by Detective
Peck.
Bird Sloan. residing at 121 F Street
northwest, was the last witness. He was
near the peanut stand with friends, and
saw the assault upon Johnson. He
thought Johnson was acting as a peace
maker. He saw q tall man strike him.
johnson turned ran, and was pursued by
his assailant. Sloan knew johnson. Later
he learned that it was Johnson who had
been struck. Here the jury returned a
verdict as stated.