The Jersey City news., 1906-12-05
GILLETTE CONVICTED
Jury Finds Young Man Guilty oi
WllIfuIB Numbering His
Sweetheart. N
MURDER IN FIRST DEGREE.


Spends Night In Peaceful slun,ber.
Six Ballots and Five Hours Defihera-
tion Needed TO Reach Conclusion.
Counsel to Continue Fight.
Herkimer, N. Y, Dec. 5.-The jury in
the trial of Chester e. Gillette for the
murder of his sweetheart, Grace Brown,
at Big Moose lake, returned verdict
of guilty in the first degree.
Sentence will be pronounced tomor-
-ow morning, to which time court adj
5ourned after the jury had reported.
Former Senator Mills, Gillette's coun-
sci, before adjournment announced that
when court reconvened he would move
to have the verdict set aside.
Every seat and every bit of space
where standing room could be secured
in the courtroom remained filed during
the five hours of the jury's delibera-
ton. Many expressed their determina-
tion to remain until morning. The buzz
of conversation was continuous as peo-
pie discussed the phases Of the case.
Now and then there was a stir as ru-
mors spread that verdict had been
reached, and every movement in the
direction of the jury room was watch
ed with intense eagerness.
1t was just 1854 p. m. when three
raps at the door drew the attention of
deputy. Immediately there was a
hush of expectation throughout the
courtroom.
Instruct the court that the jury has
agreed said Marshall Hatch, the fore
man, to the attendant
Gillette Objects to Chair.
Within fifteen minutes the prisoner,
Judge and all attendants were brought
into the court Every eye was fixed on
Gillette, who was evidently nervous
when he entered the room, accompa-
MED by Undersheriff Klock, and the
crimson flush that had remained on his
cheeks all day during the merciless
speech of the prosecutor had faded
into deathly pallor. He was chewing
gum, and his fingers twitched nervous
~ as he took chair at his accustomed
place. Presently he discovered that
the favorite high back chair he had oc-
cupied had been replaced by another,
and he Immediately changed the chairs
with a muffled mutter about having
his own chair to sit In.
Then the Jury filed into the court
room and took seats on the opposite
side of the room to those occupied by
1t during the trial.
Gentlemen Of the jury, have you
agreed on verdictp asked Court
Clerk Burney, and then attention shift
ed to the jury. Gillette's eyes followed
those of the audience and as an elder
ly, white haired gentleman on the end
of the front seat arose to speak the
prisoner glued his attention upon him.
The spokesman was Marshall Hatch
of South Columbia. He was quite
calm as he replied, "We find the de
fendant guilty of the crime charged in
the Indictment
Prisoner Takes Verdict Calmly.
Gillette was sitting cornerwise in his
chair. His legs were crossed, his ia
Vorite attitude during the trial. As
the words condemning him to the elec-
trio chair were spoken there was not
sign of change In the prisoner Not
culver showed that he had even
heard them. Els features were set,
and his face was colorless His ex-
preston was vacant, and he uttered no
sound.
If your honor please" spoke up for
mer Senator Mills. Gillette's senior
counsel, II would like to have the jury
canyassed."
Gillette sat motionless as one after
another of the twelve Jurors arose to
their feet and declared that they were
united in their decision. When the
twelfth man had responded the stolid
Indifference or studied composure OF
the boy was exhibited rs never before.
Leaning over nearby table, he drew
toward him bit of white paper and,
taking pencil from his pocket, wrote
deliberately this message:
"Father-I am convicted. Chester"
This was one of the earliest dispatch
es carrying the news of .Gillette's doom
beyond the walls Of the courthouse. 1t
went TO MS fatner In Denver.
Counsel to Fight On.
A discussion followed between Judge
and counsel assto a date when formal
notice of an appeal could be entered.
Mr.. Mills had intimated to his friends
that any verdict outside of one OF
guilty Of murder in the first degree
would be allowed to stand, but that
he and his associates, who have enter
ed heart and soul into this defense,
would not permit their client to die
murderer's death without further eff
fort In his behalf
When the report of the jury was de-
layed the defense had hoped for at
least a disagreement.
Immediately after the verdict Gil
lette was taken from the courtroom
back to his cell in the Jail.
When Gillette re-entered his cell he
was smiling. The jailer who locked
the cell door stood dumfounded to see
the prisoner prepare hurriedly for bed
with the air Of a youth who had moth
Ing more serious than physical weaII-
ness to get rid Of.
The reporters want to see meg' he
asked of Sheriff Richards rs he doffed