The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-01-26
MRS. RICHARDSON FREE
ACQUITTED OF THE CHARGE OF
NUMBERING HER HUSBAND.
Jury Out Only Thirty-Five Minutes
The Defendant Overwhelmed
with Concentrations.

PLATTSBURG, Mo, Jan. 25.-Mrs. Ad-
die Richardson was this afternoon acGuit-
ted of the charge of numbering her hus-
band, Frank w. Richardson, a wealthy
merchant, who was shot and killed Christ
mas eve, 1900 as he was entering his home
in Savannah. Mo. A dramatic scene fol-
lowed the rendering OF the verdict. Mrs.
Richardson was overwhelmed with con-
gratulations from friends who had crowded
the courtroom TO await the arrival Of the
jury. The jury went out at $3.50 and re-
turned with verdict thirty-five minutes
later.
Judge r. z. Culver and A. W. Brewster
Charles F. Booher ending the argument for
the State. The defense laid particular
stress on the fact that Mrs. Richardson
a typical young Southern woman who,
with characteristic hospitality, had thrown
her house open to her husbands friends.
Judge Culver's defense of Mrs. Richard
son brought tears to the eyes Of many and
several times during Attorney Brewster's
plea for the defense there was scarcely
dry eye in the courtroom.
Attorney Booher, during his speech, in
closing for the State. said IF there is
anything 1 can tell that would clear the
cloud from this poor woman's character
L would be glad to do it. 1 willing to
concede that prior to the death of her hus-
band no one stood higher in Savannah than
Mrs. Richardson. There was not a breath
Of suspicion against her."
The announcement of the verdict was re-
ceived with joy, not only by Mrs. Richard
son and her own and her husbands rela-
tives, but by all OF the spectators. John
d. Richardson, brother of the dead man,
seized the widow around the waist and
kissed her again and again while the crowd
cheered. Then her father. Adam Lawrence,
embraced her, while all of her relatives and
the attorneys for the defense gathered
around them with congratulations. The
little Richardson boys were hugged and
kissed by scores of people.
THE defendant is dismissed" shouted
Judge Burnes.
Thank Godi Thank Cod" was shouted
in all parts of the room.
! Mrs. Richardson pressed. forward and
shook hands with and THANKED each mem
Der of the jury, tears OF Joy streaming
down her face.
Mrs. Richardson was indicted for murder
in the first degree and the State endeav-
ored to prove as a motive that she has
sustained improper relations with Stewart
Fife, a young society man and former
business associate of Richardson. Fife
was arrested recently at North Yakima,
Wash, on a charge of completely in the
crime and is now in jail at Savannah,
awaiting trial
After the trial was over Prosecuting At
torney Booher asked what effect the
verdict would have on the prosecution of
Fife. He said: Stewart Fife will be tried
q Frank Richardson / wi
let a jury decide whether or not he is
guilty"
No date has yet been fixed for F'ife's
trial. The only interest Mrs Richardson
and her relatives will have in that trial. it
is asserted, will be to protect the name of
the widow.
Mrs. Richardson will probably go to the
home of her father, in Alamo Gordo, N. NJ,
TO remain for a while.