The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1907-05-22
Freddy jNWR|TTENL LAW
L D. Strong, a Macon Merchant
Killed Man Sister Accused.
Tragedy Followed Indictment of q
Georgia Printer Said TO Have
Attacked Woman Employe.

Macon, Ga.-Within three hours
after his Staying of Henry D. Smith, a
wealthy printer, here, L.. D. Strong,
manager Of n Of the largest stores
in the city, was released from arrest
following a verdict by a coroner's
jury of "justihable homicide" The
.unwritten law was the justification.
The tragedy aroused tremendous ex-
element throughout the city, chiefly
by reason Of the prominence of the
principals, and the fact that Strong
had fired, as he believed, in punish
ment for the wronging of his sister.
When Strong stepped out of the Dr.
oner's courtroom a free mar he was
received with enthusiastic cheers.
Smith lived just long enough to deny.
the accusation against him. He said
he knew he was dying, and that he
was innocent.
Strong fred five bullets into the
body Of his victim. The murder was
witnessed by a score Of Smiths em-
ployes. Among them were six women,
all of whom fell to the floor fainting.
Five minutes before the shooting the
Grand Jury had handed up an in
dictment against Smith charging him
with an attack on Miss Lillian Strong,
sister Of the murderer. The girl her
self was the chief witness.
In a short hearing before the cor
oner's jury it was told that a week
ago the young woman went to her
brother and made a statement re-
fecting on Smith. She was employed
in Smiths Office. The statement in
famed Strong, and he got a revolver
with the purpose Of Immediately kill
ing the printer. His sister restrained
him, and finally he promised to take
no, action further than to carry the
case to the Grand Jury.
Strong went to the store where he
is employed as usual. But he had
resolved to kill, and in his pocket
carried a revolver with every cham
Der loaded. He betrayed 10 excite
ment while doing business. He re-
ceived several statesmen, and from
them purchased large quantities Of
goods of various kinds.
Smith was sitting at his desk In
his Office on the first floor Of his
printing plant when Strong entered.
He heard the footstep behind him,
and turning \and looking at Strong,
he realized his purpose.
you've come to kill me?" he said.
Strong stood silent, watching, with
his hand grasping the pistol in his
pocket. am innocent" continued
Smith. Before God, I'm innocent,
and I'm helpless before you, Strong"
you're not innocent" replied
Strong with air oath, and, drawing
the pistol, fred the five shots in
quick succession. Two of the bullets
pierced the mans heart and he fell.
Men in the Office stood as If trans
fixed until Strong started to walk
toward the street; then two Of them
hurried and caught the slayer by the
arms.
Don't get violent" said Strong.
sI'm not going to run away. Call
a policeman"
A large crowd followed Strong to
the police station and cheered all the
way. The coroner decided to hold,
an inquest without delay, and he
swore in the jury Just two hours after
the shooting. The formal proceed
ings and the taking Of testimony took
| about fifty minutes, and in ten min
utes the jury announced its verdict.
One juryman said that the verdict
was reached on the first ballot, but
that there vas a delay by mutual
agreement in returning to the court
room. Just as Strong was released
he was informed of the Indictment
having been found against Smith.