The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-22
EVIDENCE ALL IN
 IN GRIFFITH CASE
YOUNG MAN MAKES OUT STRONG CASE OF SELF DEFENsE-MANY RELATIVES AND FRIENDS AT TEND THE TRIAL,

The conclusion of the second day's trial of Roy Griffith who is on trial before Judge Samuel L. Weaver in the criminal court' on the charge of killing John Ayers near bessemer some time ago, found q very strong case of self-defense present. ed. The case was closed shortly after the noon recess and the arguments were begun. Solicitor H. P. Hefin speakine for the state and Hugh c. Crane for the defense
 AL this mornings session Col A. A.. Carson of Columbus, Ga, will conclude the argument for the defenss and Cant Frank s. White for the state, after which the case will go to the jury, probably about 1 o'clock
 Much interest is being manifested in the trial, large crowd having been In attendance since it was called Mon day morning. A large number of rela- tives of both Griffith and Ayers, includ- ing quite number of ladies of both families, were present and took a deep interest in everything. The jury is very intelligent looking and their attentive ness to the case was the cause of many remarks
 Col A. A. Carson of Columbus, Ga. Is regarded as one of the greatest crim- 1nal lawyers in the Empire state, and number of lawyers were present to get line on the way he handled a case. He and Capt. Frank S. White handled the witnesses and the day witnessed many clashes between them over legal points, Colonel Carson's coolness under irving circumstances winning him much admir- at1on. The jury was sent out of the court room several times while the at torneys argued over some point This grew so frequent that Judge Weaver changed the procedure and when such an argument arose he would take the lawyers into a corner and hear their arguments.
 Griffith was placed on the stand again yesterday morning, being kept there for nearly three hours. He was on the stand for about two hours Monday afternoon. His cross-examination was very exhaus- tive, his story being repeated several times but without any variance.
 Following the defendant a number of witnesses were called by the defense which was followed by a number of states witnesses in rebuttal. Practically all of the witnesses, however, were char
 
 rebuttal testifying as to the character of the defenses charactc. witnesses. The defense introduced number of witnesses in an attempt to prove that Ayers had been in a few difficulties and was nat urally hot-headed Among the witnesses was the sister of Ayers, who testified as to her brothers peaceful disposition. In contrast to this one of the defenses witnesses declared that Miss Ayers had spoken to him prior to the killing about her brother having been hot-headed. One of the states witnesses als'' testified to Ayers having gotten into row in a sa- loon.
 The killing of Ayers it vii be remem- bered was done in the bedroom occupied by Griffith and him. Griffith being an employe of Ayers. The men got into d struggle during which Ayers threw Grif- filth over on bed and picked up a revol- yer. A scuffle over the revolver followed and according to Griffths statement Ayers was shot twice, both being slight wounds. Griffith then released the grip of one hand and seized another pistol on the bed. Ayers was leaning over Nlm and Griffith reached his arm over his shoulder and when he felt the revolver touch something pulled the triger twice. Ayers grip loosened and Griffith reach- ing around further. fired twice more, all four of the bullets taking effect. The last two were unnecessary, however, as one of the first two fired by Griffith had passed through Ayers eye and into his brain There were no eye-witnesses, but Griffith admits the shooting claiming Anfa