The Mena weekly star., 1910-11-03
Is No County A-YeaRound Climate Than That

wanted his clothes after they hung him. Coughran paid no attention to these remarks and made no reply.
 His final expression was that he had hope of a new trial, but indicated no fear in any event
 The following is a list of the jurors who rendered the verdict:
 T. A. Carter, John Watkins. Will Littlepaee, w. E. Tibbs, Will Parker, c. w. Nichols, E. T. Avants, K. A. Gately, J. A. Johnson, D. R. Stew man, N. A. Gam, W. L. Clark
 The case was give to the jury short ly after 5 o'clock Friday afternoon. Without reaching verdict the mem bers were taken to their hotel about 10 clock that night and went to bed Saturday morning after breakfast they were again taken to the jury room and resumed their deliberations reaching an agreement at the time stated.
 AS reported by one member of the jury, the first ballot taken was as to the guilt or innocence of the defend- ant, without considering the degree.
 On this ballot all twelve voted guilty"
 Then a vote was taken as to the de- gree of guilt. On this four voted for first degree murder. seven for second de- gree and one for manslauehter.
 On the next ballot seven voted for first degree and five for second degree.
 After that those who held for sec ond degree gradually came over until but one held out, and then 12 ballots were cast for the death penalty.
 The verdict was surprise to many. Some who listened to the case thought it rather severe, others that probably it was warranted, but there were sew eral old men on the jury from whom they expected the age of the defends ant might draw sympathy and influ- ence their vote. Some of the attor- neys not interested in the case, while admitting that they were surprised, thought there was sufficient evidence to justify first degree verdict.
 Attorney Pole McPhetrige, who had assisted Witt & Witt in the defense, was present when the verdict was given and at once made an informal motion for a new trial. Just before noon this motion was made in writ ing and filed without argument. It was overruled by Judge Steel and u 2 defense given 60 days in which to prepare it's bill of exceptions and app peal to the supreme court.
 In briefly discussing the case MT. McPhetrige stated that in his opin- ion, errors had been made in the trial of the case which would give them a chance to have it reversed and a new trial given the defendant.
 Attorneys Clip and Earl Witt were not in court Saturday, having left for their home at Mt. Ida Friday night.
 J. w. Huddleston, of Chicotah, Ok, brother-in-law of Coughran who has been with him during the trial, left for his home Saturday. He says he believes the man is telling the truth about the killing and that he is putting up the money to see that he has fair trial
 Saturday afternoon Coughran was brought before Judge Steel and sen fenced to hang at Mount Ida, Friday December Is.
 In reply te the question of the court asking if he had anything to say be- fore sentence was passed, the defen- dant replied:
 T have been advised to say noth- ing"
 In passing the death sentence, Judge Steel referred to the fact that the defendant was nearly as old as he was and said that he did not feel like talking to him or advising him re- gardine the future as he would if he was young man.
 The judge referred to the fact that many times the defendants name had been on the docket of the courts, charged with violations of the law and that now at least he should realize the error of his way.
 In closing, his honor urged Cough ran to make his peace with his God and if possible gain forgiveness, as no murderer could enter Heaven until he had
 Following this Judge Steel adjourned court until Tuesday. November 1.
 With this adjournment Judge Steel retires from office.
 NOTE:--The story in detail of the above trial will be found on the third page of this paper.
 QUAIL HUNTING NOW