The Washington times., 1902-03-27
Was Entirely Unconcern-
ed During Pro-
ceedings.
SHOTGUN PRODUCED IN COURT.
Plea of "Not Guilty" Withdrawn and
Effort Made to Have Indictment Quash-
ed-Brother of Dead Girl Testifes-Un-
able to Identify Prisoner.

Hezekiah Coates, colored, twelve years
old, who is on trial in Criminal Court for
the murder of Carrie Corbin, eight years
of age. in Anacostia. on December u last,
sat as quietly and unconcerned through
out the proceedings yesterday as though
he was awaiting his turn at q game of
marbles. The little fellow was neatly
dressed in brown jacket and knee pants.
He wore a white turned down collar and
a blue necktie, and his shoes, which are
heelless, were shined.
Just back of Hezekiah sat his mother
and his aunt. The former had two chill
dren upon her knees, while his aunt cared
for another about seven years old.
Prisoner UnconceTned.
The prisoner came into court with an
air of unconcern and maintained it
throughout the day. He apparently diG
not pay any attention to the testimony
given by the witnesses called to testify
against him.
When court convened, on the advice of
his counsel, Attorneys Strasburger and
Damman. Coates withdrew his plea of not
guilty and a demurrer to the indictment
against him was filed by his counsel.
They asked that the Indictment be
quashed on the ground that it was re-
turned by the grand jury which was or
gained in January last, under the author
fly of special legislation. 1t was held
that the accused should have been in
dicted by grand jury organized under
the law in force at the time of the COM
mission of the offence with which he is
charged.
he dar, LODI Nv ian
Anderson and the work of empanelling
Jury to pass upon the innocence or guilt
of the accused begun.
Jury Selected to Try Case.
The following are the names of those
selected: Eugene E. Cissel. William c.
Long. Michael J. Garland, Charles A.
Koscke. George W Zimmerman. Thomas
P. Hardy, Albert Montrop, Edwin d. Farm
ham, William E. Linkins, George G. Ham
ner William II. Barnheim, William H.
Edwards.
The crime for which Coates is placed
on trial was committed at dark on the
date mentioned. He left his home in Ana
costa armed with a double barreled shot
gun, with the avowed purpose of hunt
ing ghosts. He had not gone far when
he saw Carrie Corbin approaching him.
He is alleged to have called to her to
halt, and without waiting for a reply.
fired at her. The shooting, it is claimed,
was accidental.
The shotgun with which it is alleged
that Coates shot and killed Carrie Corbin
was brought into court during the morn
ing session, and will be used as evidence
in the case. The weapon is a murderous-
looking firearm, and probably Stands two
feet in height greater than the boy who
is charged with using II with malice afore-
thought.
The first witness called by the Govern
ment was Deputy Coroner GlaZebrook He
described the wounds found upon the body
CT Carrie Corbin after her death. The
next was Johnnie Corbin. colored, the ten
year-old brother of the dead girl. When
enquired Of by Justice Anderson as to
the nature Of an oath, he did not know il
by that name. He, however, qualified well
as a witness. He said he knew If he did
not tell the truth he would be put in Jail.
and also be punished by de Lord" after
he died
Testimony of Dead Girls Brother.
In relating the story of the shooting
OF his little sister Johnnie said they had
just left their aunt's house, and were on
their way home, which was not very far.
He saw some one on the other side of the
street, he said, but 1t was so dark that
he did not know who ii was. Whoever it
was, he said. hailed them, and soon after
he heard the report of gun. He and
his sister turned and ran back toward his
aunt's home. When they got inside the
yard his sister, Johnnie said, fell
to the ground and in a little while
died. The witness was not able to iden-
tify Coates as the person who fired the
shot which killed his sister.
The trial will be resumed this morning
1t is expected that all the testimony will
be in by noon, and that the case will be
submitted to the jury this afternoon. AS
sistant District Attorney Thomas c. Tay-
lor represents the Government