The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1909-02-26
RILEY PENN IS DEAD.
Inquest Held d-Charges Stanmore
Langford With Firing Fatal
Shot.

The negro, Riley Penn, who was
shot on Saturday night, mention OF
which has been made in The Herald
and News, died Wednesday night
about $50 O'Clock.
Coroner W. E. Felker impannelled
the following jury yesterday morn
ing: Edw. R. Hipp, Foreman, J. R.
Boozer, L. L. Lane, J. R. Eison, J. ".
Chappell, R. NJ. Caldwell, R. C. Boyl-
ston, J. B. Morgan, S. G. Brown, C..
R. Wise, R. C. Riser, H. H. Abrams,
W. H. Shelley, J. P. Aldrich, who af-
ter hearing evidence rendered a ver-
dict that death was caused by gun or
pistol shot wound in the hands Of
Stanmore Langford. Solicitor Coop
er was represented at the inquest by
Mr.. G.. C. Sale, Of the Newberry bar.
Mr.. Cole. L. Blease and Mr.. George
Johnstone have been retained to de-
fend Mr.. Langford.
Mr.. Langford has not been arrest
ed but it is understood that he will
surrender and application will be
made at once before Associate Justice
Gary at Abbeville for baiI.
1t is a very unfortunate affair. The
old negro who was shot and who died
as d result of hos wound was one of
the old time darkies very respectful
to everybody.
Coroner Felker issued warrant
for the arrest Of young Langford and
placed it in the hands Of Mr.. C. G..
Blease, Magistrate Chappell's con-
stable and who also acted as constable
for the coroner at the inquest.
The testimony as taken before the
coroner is given in full including the
dying statement Of Penn.
Evidence Before Coroner.
DR.. P. G.. Ellesor being duly sworn
says: I was called to see Riley Penn
on Saturday night between eight and
nine O'Clock. He was at home with a
gun shot wound in his back. He was
partially dressed, l had him undress-
ed, dressed his wound, and attended
him until he died. I understand be
died last night. He died from effects
Of wound in back. IL had no other
disease that I know of, that is, wound
that | had covered with absorbent
cotton.
1 do not know Of my own know
ldege who shot Riley Penn.
I did not probe for ball. I could
not locate it from external examina-
ton. 1 was first called Feb. 20, 1909.
P. G.. Ellesor.
George Robinson sworn says: l and
Riley Penn was coming down street
Saturday night. When we got in
about Is feet from corner Of Jack
Gillian 5 We met two boys. One boy
asked for match. | recognized one.
| told him did not have match. Riley
Penn said ne has one. He reaches
him Il match, as he reached out match
this boy pulled out pistol and waved
it across his face. l was just below
him. Penn says, 'Well if you are
going to- that, III 60 home. Penn
stepped off about three steps from
him and he shot him in back, then he
hollered to me twice afterwards. l
told him I didn't have any. Then l
reached in pocket and tried to hand
him a pencil. Then he says, "Go
ahead,' and went on to corner and
Penn went on home. Then | turned
around and passed boys again and
went to Mr.. Langford's house and
told him about it. He said he ring
I'D for police and | said, eyes, sir,
and doctor, too.' | went back, l
recognized who it was. 1t was Nj.
Langford's 5 Youngest son. had lett
him for sometime. only know him
by his voice. I heard him all time |
was at Mr.. Langford's house. l did
not know who o:her boys was. This
other boy never said nothing at all.
Mr.. Langford did the shooting. l
been knowing Nh. Stanmore Lang
ford for a year. It was pretty dark,
but it scared me SO l didn't know his
face. The only way know who 1t
was was by sound Of voice.
I knew him when he WAS with po-
Iiceman. The only way l knew who
it was, was by his voice. recognized
voice but couldn't remember his
nane at time Of shot. The man that
pullcd out pistol Just met us and ask