The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-28
CHARGED With MURDER
Richard Phillips Accused of killing
a Soldier at Fort Monroe.
A Negro Ball Player and PugiIist
Held for the Virginia Authorities-
Put TO Death by the atbIete-Pre-
pairing 10 Engage in "a Prizehght.

Richard, alias Dick Phillips, colored,
twenty-seven years old, is prisoner at No.
> station, where he is held for the Fort
Monroe. Va, authorities, who charge the
man with murder He was arrested early
yesterday morning, in house in King S
Court, between Twenty-sixth and Twenty
seventh and and Streets northwest, by
Policeman oBrien of the Third precinct.
1t is said that Phillips, on January 16,
shot and killed John c. New. a soldier Of
the Fourth Artillery. He denies that be is
guilty, and states that Frank Watts, col
ored, committed the deed. Grant Williams,
also colored, whom the Fort Monroe au-
thorities claim was an aecomplice OF Phil
lips, is under arrest now. He was taken
into custody in Hampton yesterday by
Sheriff Curtis. In answer TO a telegram
sent yesterday, Inspector Boardman re-
ceived word that an officer would arrive
here this morning TO take Phillips in
charge.
The crime charged against Phillips is said
20 have been the result of fight in ne
gro dive. Phillips and Williams, it is said,
got into an alteration with New there. II
is alleged that Phillips had In his posses
sion Winchester rife owned by his en-
ployer, who conducted saloon in Phoebus.
Phillips worked as bartender. When the
trouble assumed alarming proportions.
Phillips II is said, shot New. killing him
almost instantly He lost little time In
making his escape.
After working on the case for several
DAYS, the Fort Monroe authorities suspected
Phillips OF the crime and, learning that he
was in Washington. telegraphed here re-
IL Iyl,EIf &c sssnll IFlfss sffa
here ms a bali player and a pugilist and
the home Of his father, in Phillips Court,
was closely watched. Though Phillips did
not put in an appearance at the home Of his
father information WAS obtained that led
10 locating him at the house In King S
Court. He claimed after HIS arres, that be
knew the police were after him, and that
he had intended giving himself up.
Phillips is well known TO the loeal po-
lice, though he has never been regarded as
q bad man. At one time he was member
OF The celebrated Cuban Giants, a ball
team composed entirely Of colored players.
In later years he figured in athleiicE, ana
was regarded as clever boxer and prize
fighter. Frequently he appeared on the
stages Of variety theatres in exhibition
bouts with pugilists OF note. II Is said that
since the killing of New Phillips fought
and defeated a colored prizeHghter. II is
further said that he was arranging another
bout which was TO have been fought 1t
Rosslyn Of a near date.
In the summer OF 1896 Phillips figured in
o fight in which his brother Nell Phillips
was killed. The Phillips boys interrupted
q meeting between the wife Of Richard
Phillips and Daniel Gray, colcred, and dur
ing the fight which followed Nell Phil
lips was stabbed. His femoral artery was
severed. and before medical aid arrived he
died while being carri-i along the street.
Daniel Gray WAS afto1ward found by the
police lying unconscious and bleeding on
q vacant lot. IL was stated at the time
that he had been beaten by Richard Phil
lips and his friends In ayenging the death
OF Nell Phillips. Gray was badly beaten.
and had been left for dead. When Sra.
was arraigned for trial he entered pea
OF self defence and was acquitted.