Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-16
IN THE JAIL AT ROCKVILLE
Alleged Murderer Of Mrs. Mary Lang,
His Mother-in-Law.
EXPLAINS HE HAD A SPELL"
Complains of Rigors of Confinement
Declares he is Tired of
Living.

Special Dispatch to The Star.
ROCKVILLE, Md. March 16.-That the
fears of Jaller William Trail that William
II. Mckay. who is In Jail here charged with
the murder of his aged mother-in-law, Mrs.
Mary Lang. near Wheaton, last Saturday
night would attempt to do himself bodily
harm were we'll founded was proved about
7 o'clock yesterday evening. when the pris-
oner made three attempts to end his life.
He first deliberately threw himself down
the stairway at the Jail, falling a distance
of eight nine feet. He struck on his side
and rolled down several steps to the floor
below.
Several of the prisoners ran to where the
old man lay. but without their assistance
he regained his feet. He Immediately pro-
ceeded to butt his head against the wall
repeating it several times. About this time
Jailer Trail appeared on the scene and es-
corted Mckay to his cell. As the taller turn
ed to leave the prisoner rammed his head
against the iron grating which serves as a
door Mr.. Trail returned to the cell at once
and with difficulty restrained the man from
further attempts to injure himself. Mckay
was not seriously injured. The top of his
head was considerably bruised and he COM
planned of his side paining him. but other
wise he seemed to be none the worse for his
experience.
Takes Advantage of Opportunity.
Mckay's rash act was committed soon
after supper. while he and the other pris-
oners were enjoying the liberty of the Jail
corridors for exercise The old man was
noticed to have hold of the iron railing
around the stairway, and before any one
could realize what his purpose was he
threw himself down the area
About an hour previous Mckay handed
10 Erskine Bellows, a negro prisoner. a
hymn book. which had been given to him
by Rev. Thomas H. Campbell, pastor of
the Baptist Church, and asked him to sing
Rock of Ages" Upon its conclusion he
asked for Jesus. Lover of My Soul" to be
sung. While the hymns were being rem
dered Mckay wept convulsively. Mckay
seemed to be in better shape this morn
ing than at any time since his incarceration
He stated that he had good nights rest
and that he felt first rate. When ques-
toned in regard to his actions last evening
he explained that he had spell" Last
night. however. he declared that he was
tired of life and wanted to die and would
like to be buried in Rock Creek cemetery.
He stated that he had been unjustly ac-
cused of a terrible crime; that he wanted
to go home and couldn't. and that he had
tried TO kill himself and was liable to do
il again.
Visited by Attorney.
Mckay was visited in his cell this morn
ing by his lawyer, Edward C. Peter Mr.
Peter talked with him for some time and
endeavored to comfort him. He told him
how foolish he had been in attempting to
destroy himself, urged him to brace up and
not lose his nerve, and got him to promise
That he would not attempt to injure him.
self States Attorney Peter visited the jail
last evening and endeavored to get Mckay
TO talk about the case The prisoner how
ever. said very little, but persisted In his
denial that he is guilty of the charge
against him.
At the states attorneys instance JaileI
Trail spent last night at McKay's cell doo1
and this morning a Waterman was EN-.
pioyed TO keep an eye on the man so that
ne could do himself no harm. In discussing
his family today Mckay stated that he had
raised fine lot of children with one ex-
ceptlon. He referred TO son who he said
mad always been a source of trouble to him
From his conversation there Is little
doubt that the old man believes this boy
murdered Mrs. Lang and endeavored TIC
make 1t appear that the crime had been
committed by the father. Prison life seems
to be telling on the prisoner. He said this
morning he was used to being outdoors and
would surely die If kept penned up much
longer.