The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1902-12-19
SECOND DEGREE
Blondin Convicted of Murder
of His Wife
TO ASK FOR NEW TRIAL

TO ASK FOR NEW TRIAL
, Tpon the Claim That New Evidence
. Has Been Secured-Prisoner De-
cIared Himself Innocent of the
Crime and Expected Acquittal
Boston, Dec. 1G-Murder in the sec
ond degree, which means life imprison.
ment was the verdict returned last
night against j. w Blondin, who for
more than two weeks has been on trial
in the Suffolk county superior court
charged with wife murder. The jury
was out almost six hours when the an
nouncement came that a verdict had
been reached. The verdict was re-
cefved with evident disappointment by
Blondin, who after the jury retired, ex-
pressed firm belief that he would be
acquitted
Immediately after the jury had made
its report, Judge Bradley congra tulated
the jury and the counsel for the fair
minded manner in which the trial was
conducted, and especially Congratula ted
Blondin's senior counsel, James F.
owens, for the able manner in which he
had conducted the defense under so try
ing circumstances. Then the jury was
discharged
Blondin was taken back to his cell in
Charles street Jail to await action up
on motion for new trial which is
counsel will make, based upon excep-
tons taken during the present trial.
Mr. jacques, junior counsel, also stated
That the defense was in possession of
new evidence which he believes will
materially strengthen it's case if a new
trial is granted.
Attorney General Parker last night
said the commonwealth was perfectly
satisfied with the result of the trial
Mr., Owens said the defense felt that it
would be improper to make any state
ment at this time, but he believed that
the start already made would result in
ultimate victory.
Yesterday was devoted entirely to the
closing scenes in the trial. as all evil
dence was in at the Saturday adjourn
ment. At the conclusion of the at
tOrney generals argument, Judge
~ ley informed Blondin of his right
ldress the jurors at that time, and.
IA conference with his counsel. the
decided to speak He rose.
Mile upon his lips, but wien he
his voice was weak - faltering
lemen of the jury he said, ~ am
rIty Of the crime with which |
|arged. That is all have to say"
charge to the jury was delivered
sticn Stevens. He informed the
Ffhat any one OF three verdicts
be returned in this case, viz, not
guilty of murder in the first de-
r guilty of murder in the second
He then reviewed at great
points of law in connection with
e, and explained the legal mean
|ertain terms such as reasOna BILE
murder, malice and circum-
evidence. In illustrating cir
Initial evidence Judge Stevens re-
to the manner in which the gov
Vent proceeded to identify the body
of the woman found in the Chelmsford
pasture as that of Mrs Blondin. With
regard to the motive for the crime, he
explained that while ordinarily the
prosecution attempts to show malice, if
the other facts in the case are sllf-
fcient to warrant them in returning a
verdict of guilty, the mere fact that 10
motive for the deed had been shown
Should not prevent the return of such a
verdict
Judge Stevens referred to the appear
ance of the first Mrs. Blondin upon the
stand, and told the jurors that the fact
that her testimony proved the prisoner
to be a bgamist should not be allowed
to have any effect upon their deiibera-
lions. The fact that he was a biganist
bad no bearing on the case in question,
further than to subStantiate the claim
of the government that this might be
considered a motive for the alleged
murder. III conclusion he gave the Jury
Instructions upon points as requested
by the defense.
Cnrnnration EsiII