New-York tribune., 1909-07-18
HISTORY OF THE CASE
Sutton,s Death Caused Little Com
u1ent at the Time.

Ths strange death Of James y Sutton. j. which
has since become sensational chapter Of Annap-
obs history. al he time caused comparatively little
conrnert CUriously enough, the decision 10 re-
Investigate this tragedy Of the Naval Academy CO
,hcded with The announcement that the victim $
brother, Rodando Sutton had been seriously injured
n West Point hzzing. In view Of the recent air
ing OF Annapolis and West Point student affairs
n connection with the deaths Of Midshipman
B-snch and with other hazing cases at both schools.
ne Sutton Incidents have aroused unusual interest
al over the countrv
The Annapolis victim the son OF James X
Sutton, of Portland. Ore. He had been Z midshp-
Han member Of The class OF o., but had resigned
IL MS third year. Al the time Of his death. he was
sscoad lieutenant in the United States marine
oorps and student in the school of application
10 vas twenty-five years old
II vas early Sunday morning October l3, 1867
nat the young lieutenant was killed According
e ne story given the time, he and two fel-
eS officers, Second Leutenants Robert E. Adams
sne Edward P Rocker were returning 10 the
Marine corps camp after dance At the Naval
sgsosny They had spent some time a. Carvel
M lsA following the dance From there they made
Ie mp 70 Their quarters in automobile. Shortly
VsF the time they were supposed 10 arrive shots
.-'e heard, and few moments later Sutton was
..2ho n The road nearby with bullet IN his head
. oleo y the naval hospital little later. II was
sStso that the officers had left the automobile 81
* entrsncs % The barracks grounds and started
- - t+e road About this time Sutton drew re
zssst The others tried 10 disarm him, and sue
91eo out rot before the weapon had been dis
'seo II some manner and Adams and Rocker
- ootA slightly wounded Then, they declared,
Sh cFeV another revolver from his blouse and
- himself The testimony as 70 ali these Incl
as vas conflicting.
vas said that z quarrel had arisen over some
- woman in Annapolis and that the young
- Aso challenged each other 10 duel This
aol proven. According The finding Of the
y inquiry at that time, Sutton had been
- Sao ouarrelsone for some time. They had
.s-eo II The automobile and FIST fight fol-
,s.s Laeutenant Sutton went 10 his quarters
taTeat 70 -sfoot the whole crowd" and ig-
- ne o1icer % the day. who ordered him 70
''nsef under arrest. A few moments later.
s,as 10 The findings the enraged man re-
-. with Z revolver and fired at Adams
tb,. : Alertered and wounded by second
sss oeiker fell dazed. and Adams, II was test-
vas - You have shot Rocker AT that it
Ia No, sutton. who had been thrown down IN
esele. shot himself dead
r,...s ooefo accordingly found thar he had com
resr--.ssso9scoe and that no person in any way
Bsssr Tor his death. Captain Charles J.
4>s.. tnea superintendent OF the Naval
ssr- ~ approved the report of the board Mrs.
vhs -. sutton. the mother Of the young officer.
or..-.sfgeo that her son had been murdered re-
ssc sanVesugation Of the case several months
fsous - eeeEy of the Navy Meyer went over The
nss,s.t the former investigation carefully and
bss, .. ne conclusion that there was sufficient
seats6 ieopening the case. a board was ap'
1ohn wsesa osys ago. consisting OF Commander
G. e ne, Z. 6 N: Major ". c. Neville L :
sssor II. S. Jensen, L. s N win
eeusn.. leonard. u. S. n. c. judge advocate
Gszx, Tue second investigation.
'en In Washington are confident thai