The age-herald., 1902-02-03
Thtongs of Curious People Defy Blizzard to Get Glimpse
 of the Dead Bodies
MUCH SYMPATHY SHOWN
 FOR THE TWO MUROERERS
Ministers Take Up the Subject in Sunday Sermons and Offer Differ ent Opinions - Mrs. SoffePs
 Condition is Worse.

Butler. Pa, February 2.-The terrible fate of .the Riddles is the sole topic of conversation here today and curious throng of people have been defying the storm, hanging about the jail entrance in vain attempts to get in to, see the bodies of the dead murderers. A great deal of sympathy is expressed on all sides and not few of the female portion Of the crowd desired to see what manner of man Ed. Riddle was to exert such wonderful influence over women The jail doors were closed all day and no one got in but the doctors who attended the autopsy and the coroners jury. Later the bodies were removed to the sheriff's house where the public was allowed to see them.
 The verdict of the jury is that Ed. Bid- dle came to his death by 8 revolver shot fired from a S2-calibre revolver by him. self. and that Jack Riddle met his death from a gunshot wound inflicted by the officers in discharge of their lawful duty.
 Testimony Sensational.
 In the testimony taken at the inquest was voluminous, making about 11,0O0 words. and some parts of it quite sensa- tional. The testimony given by Deputy Sheriff Rainey Hoon reflected severely on McGovern of the Pittsburg detec- tives.
 The latter part of section of the Jack Riddle verdict reads as follows: That said posse returned the fire and battle ensued, in which said John Riddle re- ceived the wound which caused his death
 We hereby exonerate the officers from all liability and command them for their brave conduct and the faithful perform ance of their duty
 Deputy Hoon, aft CT describing the hunt of the fugitives and the final sighting of them coming over the hill, he said;
 we put. our two teams in charge of J. A. Snyder. We then got in line and they came down the hill, and the first thing l saw was Ed Riddle pulling out a revolver. When he pulled the gun all began to shoot I could not tell who fired the first shot We all shot. should judge we were 15O feet from them.'
 Q. Did they fall out of the sleigh?
 A. They both fell out
 Q. Describe your approach on the Riddle boys.
 Shot Them on the Ground.
 A. McGovern and l walked up to them. They were both lying on their faces. l walked up first and McGov- ern swore at me. had revolver in my hand and had it loaded. l walked up to them and he walked up and hit Jack on the back of the head with the butt end of his Winchester when he was on his face. Then l turned Ed. over on his back. l was the first to touch either of the men, and he was going to shoot them. He step- ped back and shot Jack again after he was on the ground. turned Ed. over and he said: "For Gods sake, don't shoot again; let me ole." MT. Holiday turned Jack over and coaxed him not to abuse him, to let him die.
 O. The slugs that entered the arms and side of Jack Riddle were from the shot fired by McGovern after he was lying face downward on the snow at close range?
 A. Yes, sir I am sure of that. I was within a few feet.
 O. Do you think the striking of Jack on the head with a gun had anything to do with the hastening of his death?
 A. could not say. He could still speak,
 o. Did he strike with considerable force?
 A. He hit him good hard Diff with the butt of the gun.
 The evidence secured by the autopsy held today bears out the statement that the Riddles intended to kill themselves