The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1911-06-27
EYE WITNESSES
TELL Of KILLING
State Introduces Evidence
Showing How Norris
Slew AXtell.
MAY COMPLETE TAKING
OF TESTIMONY TODAY
Counsel for Defense Conducts
CrOss-ExaminatiOn of
Men on Stand.

Several eye witnesses Of the tragedy
which resulted In the death Of Joseph
Wallace Axtell, on May last. when he
was shot down and killed by j. j. Nor
ris. told the story of the shooting at
the trial Of Morris in the criminal divi-
sion OF the Third District cour Monday.
Five witnesses were examined during the
day. Most OF the morning was consumed
In the cross examination of Fred How
ard, fireman. who pursued Morris
down State street in his flight to escape
after the holdup of the Uncle Sam Loan
office. The defense is putting every Wit
ness under rigid cross examination. but
the stories told by all agree almost In
detail.
The taking OF testimony in the case
may be completed today, but the case
cannot go TO the jury before Wednes-
day, from the present outlook.
Morris showed keen interest in the
trial Monday. He was inclined TO be a
triflc nervous. particularly in the after
noon. when he would be constantly toy
ink notes. When the various witnesses
were asked about the manner in which
the shooting took place Morris bent for
ward in his chair and carefully watched
the witness with his piercing black eyes
Fred Howard, WHO. on Saturday after
noon, testified TO having pursued Nor
two shots when at a point near the EN-
pire lheater, was recalled by the defense
for cross-cxamination, when the trial
was resumed Monday morning.
Story of Killing.
Attorney Soren X. Christensen. who
was on the scene when the tragedy oc-
Cured, testified that he saw Morris run
across Second South street from Com
mercial street. Mr. Christensen said
that as Morris ran toward Held's store
seaS WITH an o Rch M nm h
to turn his course directly south on the
side ewalk. Mr.. -AXtcll then attempted to
apprehend Morris. according 10 Mr.. Chris
tensen, when Morris turned around and
shot him.
On cross examination Mr. Christensen
told how Murray was captured by fatrol-
and tbsp m9w osns
him. He then reiterated the story of
Axtelrs death.
Charles E. E White. White proprietor Of e.dI1s the
South street testified that Fred Howard
went to the door OF his place of busl-
ness and called him out into the street.
ming across Second South street: As
Morris reached point in front Of Held's
store. Mr.. White testified that he saw
someone catch hold OF Morris's shoulder;
Whercupon Morris turned around and
fired two shots. White testified that AN
tell fell and he (White) took hold of him.
Whites testimony. except In few minor
other witnesses who told the story OF
the tragedy.
Saw Fatal Shot Fired.
George III. Smith, assistant counsel for
the Oregon Short Line. who was on
q street car near the scene OF the trag-
edy at the time OF the shooting. said
that AxteIl took hold OF Morrss arm.
whcreupon Morris turned around and
with one hand pushed Axtell away and
with the other shot him.
Richard Rogers, motorman Of the street
car on which Axtell camo to town, said
that he stopped his car when Morris
testified that Axtell jumped off the car
as Norris passed. He declared that as
Morris reached the sidewalk with Axte
In close pursuit. the latter caught Nor
rs by the shoulder whereupon Morris
whlrled 10 the left and fired.