The Washington times., 1901-10-31
DOYLE BLAMES HIS VICTIM
Testifying in His Own Behalf, He
Says Dent Was at Fault.
The Prisoner Claims He Drew
Rnzor in Self-defence when
Threatened with n PitchforIS-
Alleged Statement to the Contrary.

| Charles Doyle. colored, who is charged
| with the murder of Hallard Dent. col
ored, on July IS last, testified in his own
I defence yesterday in Criminal Court No.
i /, where the trial is in progress. With
] the exception that the accused was in
clined TO be argumentativesin mis- answers,
he made a good witness. Throughout his
direct and cross examinations he retained
/ his composure and appeared to be very
/ earnest in his expressions As hereto
! fore stated, he and Dent were employed
at the stables of the United States Ex-
press Company, and on the date men
toned mad a quarrel, which eliminated
in Doyle drawing razor from his pocket
and cutting Dents throat, killing him al
most instantly.
DOYLE testified yesterday that he killed
Dent in self-defence; that at the time he
cut Dent the latter held pitchfork in
his hand. and that he believed it was
Dents intention to kill him.
The first part OF the testimony of the
prisoner in reference to the causes of
the quarrel was substantially as told by
the witnesses for the Government. The
quarrel Doyle stated, was the result of
his refusal to go for something to eat for
| Thomas w Grayson. Dent, he said, in
lGTieFeu duNlsl44s NritiN SUI ~ Se'~N''
Doyle by the feet This remark. Doyle
said. led to words between him and Dent
| the latter saying that he was a better
man than the defendant, who, he saic'
was coward anyhow.
| At this time Doyir said he started to
| leave the stable ana went toward the
harness room to get-his coat, preparatory
| TO going home. Dent followed him and
repeated his remark about Doyle being
! a coward, and added that one blow with
! his left hand would settle the defendant.
| 1t was then, Doyle stated, that he him
self took a razor out of his coat pocket,
! believing that Dent, upon seeing the
! razor would allow him TO leave the
stable. AS he was passing through the
| aisle. Doyle states. Dent came up behind
| him and showed his INST over ms shoulder,
! rubbing IL against his right check AT
| this time Dent had l pitchfork in his
| hand the witness said. 1t was then.
Doyle stated, that he cut at Dent with
| the razor II was not his intention. Doyle
/ said, to cut Dent with the razor, but just
/ then the latter threw up his head and the
! weapon fell on Dents neck After this
! Doyle said he hurriedy left the stable.
When the court convened at 10 a. m.
! Fannie Dent widow of the victim. was
| the first witness called by the Govern
ment. She, however, knew nothing i'm
mediattIy connected with the trouble
| which resulted in her husbands death.
! Policeman Lawrence \. O'Dea, who was
| sent out from the SKIN precinct 10
| search the home cf Doyle, was next
! called. He testified that he went to
| Doyle's home several times during the
night. but did not find the prisoner, as
! Doyle Immediately after the affray, left
tho city and went to Hyattsville, Md.
where he was arrested at o'clock on the
afternoon Of July 10. Detective McNamee,
Policeman David +. Langley and MorSue-
master Schoneberger were also called
to testify on behalf Of the Government.
W f. Clark, John O Brfen and II. NJ
Havncr, by whom Doyle had been en-
ploved at different times. were called as
Witnesses to testify in reference to the
DEFENDANTS reputation for peace and good
order. So far as they knew, they stated,
It was good.
When the Cefence rested its case the
Government called Detective McNamee
and Policeman Burrows in rebuttal. The
former testified that Doyle after his ar
rest, stated that he ran away because he
feared that Dent would strike him with
the pitchfork. The latter witness stated
that the prisoner told him that ii was not
until after he had cut Dent that the lat
ter had taken up the pitchfork.
The Government will close its case this
morning. and after the submission Of
prayers for instructions to the jury, the
arguments Of counsel on either side will
lagiu