The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1900-03-14
COURT PROCEEDINGS.
Thomas Belvln Goes Fres.-Cor.
Citt Not Guilty.

The following is a complete record OF The
proceedings Of coust since our last Issue
The State vs. Benz njamin Brunson, larceny
of live stock. Not guilty.
The State vs Henry Baker, larceny Of live
stock Not guilty.
State vs Henry Baker, larceny cf live stock
aud graud larceny. No, guilty.
State vs. Hiram A Bryant, oigauy. Plead
guilty Sentenced TO one year
State vs David Epps, assault and battery
Cou,iuued to June term.
The State vs d. L Reeves, assault ana
battery with intent 10 kill. True BILL Con.
tinued 10 June term.
The State vs. d. l.. Reeves, assault and
battery with intent TO kill. True bill. Con.
tinued to Jane term
State We John Lawson, HOUSEKEEPING and
larceny. Mis,rial.
State vs Richard A. Moore, adultery
Guilty Sentence, one year on changing or
800 fine. This was reduced by the Judge
from $250As at first announced
The State vs Jacoe Davis, housebreakiog
and Larceny. Continued.
The State vs. James Cutler alias Jsmes
Vseuey. highway robbery. Guilty. Sen
tence, 2 years
The State vs.. John Brscey, assault and
battery with inteut TO kill. Guilty of assault
ard battery of q high aud aggravated nature.
Sentence, year on cbaingang.
State ve G N Rogau and Jno Hardiu-Ap.
peal from magistrate. Continued
The State vs. Peter Chatmsn and John
Chatman, highway robbery and larceny and
assault and battery with intent to kill. True
bill Continued.
The State vs Geo Med. Barrett, malfeas.
in
Mr. Barrett. Three caees we're beard, and 10
each one be was found not guilty. The re.
u1aioinR cases were thrown out
Last Wednesday the grand jury reported
mo bill" 10 the case Of the State vs Thomas
Belvin, charged with murder. On Tours.
day morning Solicitor Wilson handed q
new Indictment against Thomas >Belvin for
murder TO the grand jury. He stated that be
intended no reflection on the grand jury, but
as Ur. 3. .. Baker, an important witness was
absent when the first indictment was acted
90 by that body be thought it his duty to
draw another Indictment. The jury after IT..
viewing the case returned q true DILL.
The case was taken up Friday afternoon.
jury was selected without difficulty and
the trial entered upon at onre
The State put up Dr.. 8 @. Psker, and Lily
House, Sallie Nelson. end Wa..eo Nelson
Dr.. Baker testified 10 reference to the
wound received by Nelson, the operation
performed for his relief and to the fact of bis
destb from the wound.
The statement made by Nelson q few hours
prior TO bis death and reduced to writing By DE-
Baker 10 the presence of Dr. A. G Dick was
ruled out by Judge Townsend on toe ground
that II did not meet tha requirements of an
ante mortem statement
Lily House and Ssllie Nelson, sisters of
Arthur Nelson, aud Warren Nelson, a broth.
er, who were present when the shooting oc.
CURED, testified as to the facts and circum.
stances at the time. the shooting occurred
aud the conduct Of Bevin then and prior
thereto.
The defense p1t up no witnesses, and Bel.
vim, the defendant did not 60 on the stand
10 testify 10 his own behalf.
Major Marion Mose made the opening ar
gumeot for the defense, speaking only Is
minutes He was followed by Solicitor VIII
son for The State, and Col. K. D. Lee closed
for tae defense.
Judge Townsend charged the jlry a, some
itogth as TO the law bearing upoo murder,
Danslaughter, end excusabe homicide, de-
hnng each offence and 6ifferentiating one
from the other.
The jury retired 10 the room and withio
few minutes returned with a verdict of
"not guilty"
Toe defendant, Mr. Thomus Bsvin was dis.
charged from custody at once and lei, The
court house free man