The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-01-22
MURDER IN THE SECOND
DEGREE IS THE VERDICT
Wilcox Is Sentenced to the States Prison fo-
Thirty Years.

taken directly from mere 10 the state 5
Prison.
District Attorney Ward, who so ably
and adroitly has directed the prosecution
in two trials. when asked tonight about
the verdict said he would have to be
satisfied with it. though he believed Will
COX guilty of first degree murder. The
two jurors. who probably were con-
scientious in their convictions, prevented
the death verdict. There is one thing
that gives Mr.. Ward pleasure and that is
if the prisoner ever should be proven
blameless he will have the satisfaction
of knowing the wrong can be righted if
W ilcoX is in the penitentiary and that
he, Ward, will never have on his hands
the blood of an innocent man even
though it were in the discharge of his
sworn duty.
Thomas =. Wilcox, former sheriff of
Pasquotank and Jim's father, strong man
that he is, and highly regarded by every
body, temporarily gave way to his feel
il SIS this afternoon when talking with
Mr.. Ward. in the latter's room. Mr..
Wilcox said he believed Jim was en-
tirely innocent and would not run away
if he had the chance. He thought Jim
now would take train to Elizabeth City
alone and deliver himself to Sheriff Reed
upon his arrival Though crushed and
disappointed at the jury's verdict, Sher-
iff Wilcox on the streets maintains a
pleasant and cheerful bearing, greeting
acquaintances with the same cordiality
that has been his wont. Mr.. Wilcox
told Mr.. Ward he would try hard for
new trial, but if the worst came to
the worst he would take it the best he
could. Jims father, mother and Sis
ters have earned the respect of the en-
tire community and for them much SYM
pathy is expressed.
Though it had been said Jim would
rather be hanged than go to State S
Prison that is a mistake. Sheriff Wins
low tonight told him there might be a
pardon and that there were many chances
in his favor. and the prisoner said he
guessed it was better so. Wilcox did not
eat any supper tonight. Jailor Williams,
a courteous gentleman, closed the prison
doors on him about nine o'clock. Wilcox
soon was enjoying aplea SAINT, healthful
rest.
Miss Ollie Cropsey when she heard the
verdict, said she thought Wilcox should
suffer the death penalty for the murder
she expressed sympathy for his family,
especially Jims pretty sisters.
Word from Elizabeth City tonight says
cany people there thought the penalty
should have been more severe. The
Kisses Cropsey. Misses Wilcox, Judge
Council and all the lawyers and wit
nesses in the case left town this even
| ing. Jim's sisters took the verdict phil
osophically.
The general impression around here is
that no trial will be granted. Judge Coun-
| Gil is of the same opinion. On his way
| to the station tonight he met Sheriff
| Wilcox and expressed for him his SYM
| pathy
On his way bacl. 20 Jail this AFTERNOON
| the prisoner spoke to a friend pleasantly
, aid said. We'll, they gave me little
thirty years"
Nov that two trials have been con-
clude1, Wilcox is sentenced to long
term in prison as a result of strong
case of circumstantial evidence made by
thirty one circumstances connected link
by link and almost everybody here be-
leves him guilty, there is yet about the
whole case an element of mystery which
perhaps will never be solved
One of the hardest TO explain points
of the prosecution was how Wilcox on
bright night could kill Nell Cropsey
ne ar her home with two persons in the
rarlor without anything being heard and
tten carry her body into the river and
meet Leonard Owens few minutes later
ard exhibit no unusual appearance.
Poth trials wore skillfully and tact
| fully handled and it is doubtful If the
next decade furnishes in this State a
murder case that is anything like its par
allel Everybody unites in saying that
there was never a fairer trial than the
ore Just over The official acts of the
Judge and other court officers as we'll
as the behavior of the citizens are be-
yond criticism