The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-10-03
BOY MURDERER ON TRIAL.
Crime Relieved to Iiavc Been Sug-
Eested by Play.


NEW YORK, Oct. 2.-The trial of John
Garrabrant, an eighteen-year-old murderer,
began in Jersey City today. His counsel
will plead in extenuation of the crime that
the client is a degenerate. and that the
murder was suggested to his client by a
blood curdling play which he saw at Jer-
sey City theatre In the play the villain
lures his victim into a cellar and robs
him after knocking him senseless with a
blackjack.
The play in question, which was being
played at the time of the murder. by d
coincidence is now running in Jersey City.
1t is charged that Garrabrant on May .
last, lured Henry Mas, twelve years old,
to his home and killed him with a black
jack. robbed his body of small sum of
money, and then fed to West Nyack, n.
Y. He returned to the scene of his crime
the next day. and, 1t is said. used part Of
the money secured from his victim to see
the blood curdling play second time.
Though he admits that he killed Mas,
the young prisoner does not appear to real
ize the enormity of his crime. and when
told last night that his trial would begin
today, retorted, with laugh, "All right,
let her 60"
and Judge John A. Blair, in the Supreme
county prosecutor, represents the people,
and Alexander Simpson appears for the
defence. On the opening of court at 10
o'clock today the panel of forty-five tales
men was called. Forty minutes later the
twelve jurymen had been selected and
taken their seats.
Judge Collins said that on account of
other business he could give the case only
three days, and he hoped the attorneys
would expedite matters. -
The cali of witnesses was then pro-
ceeded with.
John Garrabrant, the accused, was early
in the court room. He Is a shambling
youth, attired in grey suit and black
derby nat. He is utterly unconcerned,
displaying no interest, at all in the pro-
ceedings around him. not even as much as
is manifested by the veriest spectator.
He did not show any concern as the jury
men were selected and frequently yawned
during the proceedings.
Mr. Simpson said the defence would be
along medical liner. The intellect Of his
client was naturally weak. and his mind
was affected. The play had made a strong
impression on him.
Garrabrant and Mas were both en-
y.
ray Street, in this city. and were friends.
Both lived in Jersey City. Garrabrant at
1s2 Eighteenth Street and they used 10
go home together Garrabrant lost his po
sltiona a short time before the murder,
however, because he had threatened to
shoot Miss Irene Grossly. who was in
charge Of one of the departments in the
factory.
Though older than he was. Garrabrant
had become madly infatuated with the
young woman, and annoyed her by his
attentions. When the boy saw Miss Cross
by speaking to Mas he became instantly
jealous and threatened to kill the young
woman. He was discharged some time
after this.
This only made Garrabrant more jeal-
Gus and he finally decided to kill his former
friend. He had no trouble in getting Mas
into the cellar of his home, and there MUIR
dered him in cold blood. Garrabrant then
stole the boys wages and fed, taking with
him large supply of cigarettes. for he was
an !ncessant consumer OF them
Miss Grossly is to be one of the chief
witnesses for the State and her testimony.
1t is expected, will be sensational Cara
brant is stu in love with her, at least
he talks about her continually. He has
not given up smoking cigarettes, either,
and almost lives upon them.