The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1909-09-03
Local Attorney in the Rife
Murder Trial at Eaton To.
day Makes MasterfuI Ap-
peal for Accused.
CASE GOES TO JURY
At LATE HOUR TODAY
Assistant Prosecuting Attor-
ney for the State Demands
That Accused Pay Penalty
On the "Chair."

Eaton, O., Sept. 3.-The eloquent,
sentimental and touching argument of
Wilfred Jessup of Richmond, who is
one of the attorneys defending Harry
Rife, for the murder of Mrs. Ida
Griswold, before the jury of the Com
mon Pleas court of Preble county this
morning, moved members Of the jury
and spectators to tears. His pleadings
were SO impressive that it was ex-
pressed at the adjournment of the
court this noon that Rife would be
saved from the chair and probably
found guilty only of manslaughter,
which means short term in the Ohio
penitentiary.
The case went to the jury this aft
ernOon about 4 o'clock. It is not ex-
pected that the jury will be out many
hours Besides Mr.. Jessup's plea, his
assistant, w. B. Marsh, of Eaton, and
assistant prosecuting attorney Saylor
delivered their arguments before the
jury this morning. Mr.. Saylor did not
complete his argument until this aft
ernoon.
Instructions Given.
Judge Fisher then read his instruc-
lions to the jury. He simply ANNOUNCE
ed to the jury that the case was in their
hands. He defined the different ver-
diets which the jury might reach in
such case. A verdict of not guilty
was not discussed as the best the de-
tense expects to achieve is a verdict
Of granddaughter. Judge Fisher said
that a verdict Of murder in the first
degree meant that Rife must pay the
death penalty for his crime, unless the
jury recommended life sentence. Al
verdict of murder in the second degree
which means life sentence, was also
explained.
Mr.. Jessup, who opened the argu-
ment for the defense. delivered his ar
gument the first thing this morning.
He briefly outlined the case, but pro-
ceeded mainly to plead for mercy for
his client. His address was eloquent,
full Of human interest, touching. and
sentimental at all times. Before he
had spoken a half hour, members of
the jury were seen to hurriedly wipe
away tears. Sounds OF weeping on the !
part of women who were present in
the crowded court room were very All
dible.
Following Mr.. Jessup, his assistant,
w. B. Marsh, pleaded for the accused.
His address was also touching, but he |
depended more on outlining to the jury |
the evidence in the case and showing |
reason why Rife should be found guilty !
of manslaughter. Assistant Prose-
cutting Attorney Saylor spoke a few
minutes this morning and then court |
adjourned until 80 this afternoon.
He spoke for about an hour and half
jury that Rife pay the penalty Of his
life for his act.
Rife on the Stand.
Evidence for the defense was con.
cluded yesterday afternoon following
the testimony of Rife. the defendant.
His testimony was along the same
lines as that given to Coroner O'Hara,
which was introduced by the state
morning. Rife made an ex-
cellent witness in his own behalf He
said that he and his victim were to
have become man and wife April /,
1909. He was then excused and attor-
ney Jessup announced that the de-
Tense rested.
short consultation between the at
torneys Of both sides with Judge Fish
err was then held. 1t was agreed that
each side should have two and half
hours to make their argument to the
jury.
Attorney John Risinger of Eaton,
who was engaged as special counsel,
opened for the state. He declared all
testimony and evidence introduced
bore out the states contention in it's
charge, which was that Rife was gull
" of premeditated murder After he
his argument, the defense.
through Attorney Jessup, announced +,
that it wished the court to adjourn ,
until 8 o'clock this morning.