Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-02-13
WITH INTENT TO KILL
JOSEPH PIERCE ACCUSED OF
SHOOTING HIS WIFE.
Arrested in King George County, Va,
and Brought to Washington
for Trial

Joseph Pierce. coored, who shot and
dangerously wounded his wife, Henrietta
Pierce, January Ii, at their home, lis
Brooks court northwest, as published in
The Star at the time. was brought here last
night from King George, Va, by Detcc-
tive Cornwell. He admits that he shot his
wife, but does not fear severe punishment.
His wife, he says, was always annoying
him. He undertook to leave her several
times. he states, but each time she per-
suaded him to remain. The shooting oc-
CURED Friday night in the room occupied
by Pierce and his wife, on the second floor
of the house. Pierce was able to esCap.
by jumping from the upper window to the
yard. Detectives tracked him through the
snow as far as North Capitol street.
Pierce worked at the filtration plant and
the detective went there in search of him.
The prisoner admits that he went to the
plant. but says he remained there only a
few minutes, as he was unable to get IL
side the buildings. Then he started to walk
to Baltimore, but got on the wrong rail-
road track, and did not know where he
was until he reached Washington junction.
Tells of His Wanderings.
He met colored man Saturday morning,
he states, who assisted him and gave him
nights lodging. The next day was spent
at the house of a white man, where Pierce
worked at odd jobs for what was given
him. Monday morning he made another
start for Baltimore, and reached there
Tuesday Just after reaching Baltimore he
was stopped by policeman and questioned
He told the officer he was from Philadel.
phia, and was permitted to go. Thursday
morning he shipped aboard the oyster boat
Taylor, Capt. Edward Thomas. About
five miles this side of Colonial Beach the
ice became SO thick that the boat could
make no Roadway and had to drop anchor.
Pierce was recognized by man as soon
he went ashore for supplies, and Capt.
Thomas told him he would have to go to
the county seat and remain In jail until
the Washington authorities could come for
him. That was Friday night, and, Pierce
said. the suspense being over. he enjoyed
the best nights sleep he had since he snot
his wife.
Capt. Boardman received a message from
night, in which he claimed the amount OF
the reward, $50. and asked that 1t should
be sent by the officer. Detective Cornwell
went to King George yesterday morning
to take charge of the prisoner, reaching
there after drive of twenty miles from
Fredericksburg. Pierce said he felt re-
Eeved at returning here. He said his OBJ
ject in going away was to earn money
enough to pay for defending himself at The
trial.
Pierce's wife is still confined in the Home
opathfc Hospital. A minor operation was
performed yesterday. as measure of af-
fording her relief, and her condition is re-
garded as being very good. Pierce was
measured and photographed at police head
quarters this morning, and was afterward
taken to the Police Court. He was COM
mitted to jail on warrant alleging as
sault with intent to kill. A preliminary
hearing will be given him as soon as his
wife is able to leave the hospital.