The copper era., 1905-08-31
MORRIS ACQUITTED After an Interesting Trial Which 0ccu-
 pied Three Days.

Morenci, who killed a Mexican at that place some time ago and was exonerated by a coroner's jury and afterwards brought before the jus tice court of this precinct under a charge of murder, was acquitted by Justice M. W. Neff alter an interest ing and vigorous trial which occu- pied period of three days. The de Cision of the court seemed to meet the approval of the majority of the people of this place and MorenCi, who were familiar with and knew some thing about the case. The verdict of the cOroner's jury, composed of some of the best men in Morenci, seemed to meet the approval of the people of that camp, but it seems that the father of the deceased, who is an officer of the Mexican govern ment at Juarez, arrived at Morenci sometime after and worked up what appeared to the district attorney to be strong case.
 The killing took place at Morenci late one evening about six weeks ago. Lopez, the deceased, and d com panion named TrujilIo were both in- toxicated and walking up the hill when they began throwing rocks. Morris, who heard the noise, went out to see what was going on. He walked up to the two Mexicans and after exchanging some words, Nor ris attempted to arrest them, but was unsuccessful as he had no gun. He went back home and got a gun from his brother. Upon returning he overlook them and attempted to lyo hn 9n i,, which Morris got much the worst of the deal. It seems that Truiillo and Lopez got separated. Lopez got the best of Morris and had him pinned against rock wall. As Trujiilo was advancing with rocks in his hands Morris commanded Lopez to release him. Lopez refused to do so and Morris managed to pull his gun, put it to Lopez's side and pulled the trig. ger. The explosion set fire to the Mexican's clothing and when an. other Mexican approached he asked him to take care of Truiillo while he extinguished Lopez's clothing. This he did and then took charge of Tru. jillo. There appeared to be but two eye witnesses at the time of the killing, lady and Trujillo.
 At the trial there were a hal1 dozen who testified that they saw the killing and most of them told exactly the same story, with the exception that one said that Lopez and Tru jillo were on the ground when Nor ris fired the shot, while another said Lopez was lying on the ground and Trujillo was standing. They also testified that Morris did not speak a word during the whole performance
 The case was d complicated affair and Judge Neff held the case under advisement almost forty hours be- fore he rendered his decision. IT rendering his decision he gave six reasons as follows:
 1-Because defendant had been ex- onerated by a coroner's jury com posed of reliable men immediately after commission of the deed.
 2-Because defendant was an off. cer in the discharge of his duty at the time.
 3-Because the prosecution did not subpoena Trujillo, who was the only eye witness from beginning to end.
 4-Because of the increditability ot the witnesses.
 -5-Because the people living in the neighborhOod where the killing took place expressed no dissatisfaction at Cne VerulCC or the COrOner'S Jury; at least not to the knowledge of Judge Neff.
 6-Because there appeared to be no motive for defendants action ex. cept in the discharge of his duty
 The territory was ably represented by Assistant District Attorney Nc Allister, while the defendant was represented by Wiley Jones, of Saf- ford, one of the best and most sue cessful attorneys in this county.
 The deceased, when sober, had the reputation of being quiet and good citizen, but when drinking he always had trouble and became overbearing 9 in his conduct.
 Austin Morris, the defendant, has been a citizen of this county several years, during which time he has had no trouble of any nature. He is a man of family and wears the marks of an honest, hard working citizen. He was appointed deputy sheriff about two years ago and this is the first time he has had any serious trouble with a prisoner.