The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-08-23
DIED At HANDS OF
PARTIES unknown
Verdict Of Coroner's Jury in
the Hough Case. 4-....
BODY WAS NOT BURNED
It Was Found Swinging to Limb
Yesterday.
PlJlABLE CONDITION OF MISS KEITH
Her Head Beaten Almost TO Pulp by Heavy
Oaken Chair Which Was Spiintered
by the Force Of the
Blows.
BODY WAS NOT BURNED
It Was Found Swinging to a Limb
Yesterday.
PIuIABLE CONDITION OF MISS KEITH
Especial to News and Observer) }

Especial to News and Observer
Wadesboro, N. c., August 22.-The last
incident in the horrible trail Of events in
volving the perhaps fatal assault upon
Miss Lena Keith, and the swift visitation
of punishment upon her assailant, Luke
Hough, was closed today with the coro-
ners inquest over the bullet-riddled body
of the latter
1t was reported at this place late last
night, that after being lynched Hough's
body was consigned to the flames. This
was incorrect, as his mangled form was
still swinging to- the limb this morning
Mr.. E. F. Fenton, coroner, with a jury
held an inquest over his body this morn
ing. The jury rendered a verdict to the
effect that ''Hough died from strangula-
tion at the hands of parties unknown. >
The condition of the unfortunate young
lady is horrible to contemplate. Parts
CT her head are almost beaten into pulp.
homemade oak chair. The chair was
broken to pieces, scattered over the floor
and the heavy oak posts were splintered.
The posts were covered with hair and
blood, and the walls of the room were
spattered with blood.
An old knife, with broken blade,
covered with blood and hair was found at
the scene of the assault. The negro en-
deavored to cut her throat with the
knife, but it was too dull. The flesh
and skin were torn for several inches ON
each side of her neck. She was stabbed
upon the head with the knife, and this
broke the blade
When the negro was arrested, he had
changed clothes. He was made to un-
dress and blood was found on his body
and different parts of his clothing. His
pursuers went into the yard and there
found evidence which confirmed the tale
A shirt was found on a line that had
just been washed and hung up to dry
The shirt was clotted with blood about the
neck and shoulders. :
He was made to put on his bloody
clothing and carried to the young lady
She recognized him and begged that he be
taken from her sight. Previous to the
arrest of Hough she had regained con-
scioushess and told that her assailant
was Hough.
These facts, together with the fact that
he was trailed to his door with hounds
and his subsequent confession which was
entirely similar to the statement madt
by Miss Keith, Identified him beyond the
shadow of doubt.
When swung to the limb, though his
hands were united, he made not strug
gle and said not a word during the prep
arations. He made no motion, bu
finched when the first balls pierced his
body.
Before he was lynched, the crowd Wen
to the scene of his horrible deed to OBJ
serve the situation. They found the young
lady's pillows lying in pools Of blood, ant
scattered clothing that had been tori
frCm her body. A bed covered with blood
a bloody chair, bloody knife were the
sights that met them. In hot haste
preparations were made and Hough was
dispatched.
The Messenger and Intelligencer says
I'VE do not feel it in our hearts to con-
denim those who avenged this terrible
crime committed at their very DOORS"