The Washington times., 1905-11-17
EMBREY CLAIMS
SELF DEFENSE
Says He Shot Whalen to
Save Himself.
FAMILIES WERE AT ODDS
| Question of Marriage of Deceased With
Accused's Daughter Probably Led
TO the Shooting.
FAMILIES WERE AT ODDS

Many theories are advanced by both
the Whalen and Embrey families as TO
the cause OF the shooting of James A.
whalen by Deputy Sheriff William r.
Embrey which occurred last Monday
night on Corners road. about midway
between Cabin John Bridge and the
Embrey home.
The Embrey family contend that the
shooting was done in self-defense. Il
is pointed out that Whalen was a pow
crful man and a demon when under the
influence OF liquor. Mr.. Embrey, his
wife says. would never have thought of
such a thing as shooting unless it was
the last resort.
The Whalen family hold opposite
views. J. Ward. stepfather of Whalen,
claims that the shooting was premedi-
tated. This opinion is also held by
other members of the family. who claim
that their brother was a good boy and
never had an enemy in the world.
Her Friend Only.
Asked as to the relationship existing
| between her brother and Miss Sadie
Embrey, Miss Whalen said: My broth
er thought of her as a friend only"
Were they not engaged to be mar
ried Thanksgiving Day?" was asked, to
which both Miss Whalen and her step
father. Mr.. Ward. answered with an
emphatic mo"
MY brother" said Miss whalen.
| said only a few weeks ago that he
could never think more of Miss Embrey
than as a casual acquaintance. He
used to see her good deal going to
! and from work. but / am positive there
was nothing more between them"
On the relationship existing between
! the two families. Miss Whalen said
that they never mingled a great deal.
| There was no disruption. however, be-
| tween the two families, both the EN-
breys and the Whalens claim.
Eeighbors Think Differently.
Neighbors and others hold different
| opinion. 1t is reported by some OF tbs
neighbors that strained feelings have
existed for a long time; James Whalen
| however, it is said. was not the cause
The Embreys emphaticany contend
that there must have been a scuf1s
otherwise the shooting would not have
occurred. They can advance no theory
as to why Whalen would attack tn,
deputy sheriff without some cause. bu-
claim he must have made the frs
move.
In talking Of the feeling between tn,
two families. Mrs Embrey said tina
so far as she knew IT had been mos
amicable
Jim was at our house last sunda!
night" she said Sadie pleaded Will
him to give up drinking for her sake
he said he would They talked alonj
for some time then ne left saying n
would swear of tomorrow. This wa
the last time we saw him, and Mr.
Embrey would say little TO Us Mondal
! | night when he came home.
DO you know whether Whalen an(
, your daughter Sadie We're engaged {,
be msrried2" was asked of Mrs. En-
| brey.
YES" she replied; they were to b.
married November 90 They have KEEP
company for some time and were deeply
IN love with each other" Further thar
| this Mrs. Embrey, who is the secon(
wife OF the accused man. would no
talk. She did not know whether lega
talent had been secured to defend he
| husband, YS-ether he had arranged 70
bah. or. Ia fact. anything about him
! not so far as 10 have read the account
OF the murder in the newspapers.
Mr.. Embrey made statement befor
Justice Reading at Rockville that hi
daughter was engaged TO Whalen. ant