New-York tribune., 1902-03-16
VOEPEL HEARING BEGINS,
WITNESSES TELL OF THE SUSPICIOUS
BEHAVIOR OF BOY ACCUSED OF
KILLING MOTHER.

John Albert voepel. seventeen years old. who is
accused of stabbing to death his mother. Catherine
Voepel. at their home. No. 129 Christopher-st. on
February A. had a hearing before Magistrate Ohm
sted in the jefferson Market police court yester-
day. The prosecution represented by As
sistant District Attorney Lord. and John F. Nc
Intyre, Edward Weiss and Charles Mcintyre looked
after the interests of Voepel.
The complain sworn TO by Policeman Enright
of the Chares-st, station. Young voepel. though
his face a serious look, did not appear to be
deeply affected.
Mrs. Mary Phoegel who lived in the house with
the Voepels. testified that February Il the boy
asked her to come downstairs and what was
the matter with his mother. She did So and found
that Mrs. Voepel had died violent death There
were cuts through the nightgown. Young Voepe
stood in the hallway and crying.
Charles Watts who is in the real estate busi-
ness, said that he visited the Voepels frequently
to collect rent
When Mrs. VoepeI not at her stand" wit
ness said. John always used to tell go up
and see her. When l told him on February II
about the leaks he said, L will ring her up, and
went out of the stand and pulled the door bell He
returned TO the stand waited about five minutes
then he rang the bell again and went out into
Christopher-st. and looked up at the windows.
told him that 1 in hurry. and he replied that
he would go up and call her down. He was gone
about fifteen minutes. and when he came back he
said: Somebody has burst in the door and killed
mother-the only friend l have got"
Policeman Murphy, who went 10 the house with
VOepel, testified that he asked young Voepe If his
mother dead and that the boy replied. u don't
know. AT the foot OF the station steps ne turned
to me-" said the policeman, and said; I Will have
to notify the insurance company. won't /? l asked
him If his mother insured and for how much.
He told me 1t was for $3.50 or $1,000. When got
10 the newsstand he gave the keys and said
he would be upstairs in a few minutes found the
body perfectly cold and the limbs stiff. I
there minute or two when John Voepel came up
stairs. He walked into the room and said: Some
body must have done this to rob the place Yes,
my watch Is gone, 1t here the dresser
when looked at IL last three minutes g.
He said that he last saw his mother alive at
ten minutes to g. when she got up and heated some
coffee that had been left from night
Police Captain Martens of the Charles-st. station
testified that when he talked TO John Voepel IT, his
othce the first time he noticed a blood stain
on the boys right knee, which, il was found when
There was also blood stain, which looked like a
smear. his shoe.
Il asked him: Where is that small butcher knife
your father used to when I'm the butcher busi-
replied: 1t Is In the house "
Policemen and detectives testified to searching
the Noepel rooms and failing 10 hnd the butcher
knife. Assistant District Attorney Lord held me
evidence. i - "
Mr. Mcintyre said to the Magistrate: There Is
no case against the boy and the DistFt-t Attor-
hey once VIII md II out before many hours Hav-
Ing failed 10 get the murderer this bov Is arrested
anu an attempt made TO put the responsibility Lpon
the District Attorney" "+~'
Mr.. Lord 'eP''eN
, To this Mr. Mcintyre replied: We'll Won will
ha0w' Tot was IN that office for twelve wears
Inc examination was adjourned until Monday