Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1905-05-20
HocH TO HANG.

johann Hocl, VINO, oy MS own Oon-
fession, is a poIygamist, and who is
charged by the police with having mar
ried at least 40 women in the last ID
wears, was yesterday in Chicago found
guilty by jury of numbering the next tc
his last wife, Marie Welker Hoch. The
verdict follows:
1--WE, the jury, find the defendant,
Johann Hoch, alias Johan Hoch, alias
John Schmitt, guilty of murder in man
ner and form as charged in the indict-
ment and ix his punishment at death.
Hoch had been married to Mrs Welck-
er only a short time when she took sud-
denly sick and died. He then formed
an alliance with the sister of the dead
woman, and securingthe sisters money,
fled from Chicago. This Mrs Hoch told
the police that Hoch had poisoned her
sister and a search for Hoch was begun.
He was found two weeks later in New
York and brought back TO Chicago aud
confronted with several alleged wives.
During the trial expert testimony was OIL
fered bv the state that Hoch had poison
ed the woman by administering arsenic.
Yesterdays verdict was reached IN
less than half an hour. Three ballots
were aiken. The first ballot was unani-
nous as to Hoch's guilt, and then bal
lot followed as to the punishment to be
inflicted. This ballot showed 10 IN
favor OF the death penalty aud two for
life imprisonment. A third ballot re-
suited in the II jurymen voting for the
death penalty.
"Well, | guess it's all of with John,
proaued Hoch rs the verdict was read
ia court. He was greatly affected. lie
had sat in STOPPING position, but when
the word "death" was read he turned
pale, stared hopeessly at thejurors, and
then sank limp in his chair.
fioch' attorneys will ask for new
trial, although the condemned man de-
clared he was ready to die and would be
better satisfied if they did not make an
effort TO save him.
II wish they would hang me tonight,
now that have been found guilty, de-
clared Hoch. 81 am not afraid to die, "
and TIE sooner it is over with the better. "
Hoch expressed great surprise at the
finding of the jury, and declared that
the Jurors did not take time to consider
the evidence.
"The evidence " s all circumstantial,
be said ssand nv lif, was guessed
away by the jury, which did not give
sufficient consideration to the testimony
offered" ,
Hoch denied positively that he had
murdered a number of wives, as has
been alleged, and displayed some bitter
ness in speaking of the matter
"Such talk is FOOLISH" he said. "The
reports have been spread that | am a
modern 'bluebeard.' This is untrue.
All that can be said against me is that |
have committed bigamy. As to the talk
that had nearly a dczen wives, it is
nonsense. as are the stories that made
awav with them. There was no evidence
that had another sweetheart and
wanted TO get rid of the woman | am
accused of poisoning. spent money TO
get her, but this part OF the evidence
was ignored by the jurors.
Hoch said he preferred the death
penalty to life Imprisonment. He
whistled lively cir as he returned to
his cell.
When the verdict was annouced Hoch
stood in a stupor. He nodded his head.
He seemed unable to realize what was
said. After moment of silence he
asked the question ''another one" Ne
person understood what he meant. A
bailiff tapped him on the shoulder and
tried to rouse him. Several women who
had been awaiting the verdict tainted in
the court room.