The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-05-17

though quickly excusins herself and
nurrying away to her room.
Girl Found In Agony.
Groans were heard coming from q
bathroom OF the association quarters
shortly after o'clock that evening.
The door was broken in. and Miss Lin
nell was found partially unconscious
and apparently in great agony. Half
an hour later she died. without rccov-
ering consciousness.
a belief that the girl had committed
suicide was at first general. but her
family ware disposed to dlscredit the
report and thorough investigation
was made
Soon after the girl died it was learned
that some one had telephoned to Richie
son. as the girls nearest friend. AMI
Informed him of the circumstances lie
coldly denied at first that he knew the
girl at all. Then finally. admitting
that she had been IL member of his
former parish in Ifyannis, he suggested
that her brothcr-in-law in Bridgcwatsr
be notified. Before hanging up the
receiver he asked: Did she say any
thing before she dicd?"
The In cory OF suicide was dispcllc.l
when the real conditions surrounding
the death OF Miss Linnell were made
known. The girl had been sitting in
chair. with her feet in "A tub Of hot wa
ter, while besid her was a fresh change
of clothing. The autopsy revealed the
fact that she had taken a dose of pois-
on. and the conclusion was drawn that
she had done so In the innocent belief
that IL would remedy Il condition that
later would be a cause of great cmbar-
rassment.
On the day following the giris deaf
Rev. Mr.. Richcson preached what v y
10 be his last sermon lin the Cambridge
church. and in his prayer referred
That afternoon, dining with member
of HIS parish in Somerville he was
able to eat but little. and spent much
time on Il couch, In apparent mental
misery lie explained that he was
overcome by the recent death OF dear
friend" That night he went 10 the
home cf Moses Grant Edmands. in
brookllne. father OF the girl to whom
he was to be married VIC TX or SO
later. and there remained in seciusion
through the next few days preceding
his arrest
Scores Of police and newspaper m IN
took UP the mystery of the death of
Avis Linnell. 1t seemed apparent at
the outset that the belief I'm suicide
theory was one which the murderer
had planned to foster. Given the crime
was to find the man responsible for
the condition OF the victim. The police
had not far to seek. and the newspapers
made no pretense at mystery in direct
ing their suspicious. The girl had but
one sweetheart. and she made no con-
ceaIment OF her affection for Rich sson.
Evidence Accumulates.
In n weeks time material evidence
began 10 accumulate. y woman oe-
clarcd that R!cheson had t.lephoned
from her home. making an appointment
! for the afternoon of October II with
some one at the Young Women's Chris
! tian Association rooms. Richcson's
! landlady admitted her hoarder had re-
turned a bowl to her with tn, remark
that she had better wash st thoroughly.
as IT had been used 10 mix paste which
| had contained poison. The most dam
| aging evidence. however, came from
| William Hahn. a druggist Of Newton
Centre, and friend OF Richeson. Ac-
cordinS TO Hahn, Richcson. came 10 him
four days before tho Linncll girl died
! and bought considerable quantity Of
cyanide of potassium, explaining that.
/ he wanted TO kill a dog" Cam
/ bridge confect!oner told OF Richeson
! coming to his store on the afternoon
Miss Linnell died and purchasing n
! peculiarly shaped jar of candy, identical
| with Jar found in Miss Linnell's room.
| The minister had taken Il Boston bound
| car in front OF the candy store. y
woman came to the police and told of
seeing the pastor and the weeping girl
eating together in a restaurant on the
I same afternoon AS result of this
| Information the police felt warranted
In taking definite action.
The evening of October Q Chief In
spector Dugan and members of his
force went To the home OF Mr.. Edmands.
| on Devon Street. in Brooklinc, to ar
rest Rev. Mr.. Richeson on the suspicion
1 that he was guilty of murder Admis-
sion to the house was denied. although
the hour was early. The police had no
search warrant. and did not feel JUS
titled in breaking into the magnificent
residence upon the uncertainty OF
! Richeson being inside. They tn srefors
remained on guard through the night,
frequently knocking upon doors and
windows and calling upon the occu-
| pants 10 open ana admit the officers.
The weary vigil was kept UP until
daylight. WHEN u maid who appeared
in the kitchen vas prevailed UPON To
notify Mr.. Edmands that the officers
were outside and would break in .f
The door was not opened at once AT
Z O'Clock the police were admitted.
Richeson was found in bed. He was
ordered to dress and accompany the
"Hcers. Before leaving the house he
took in his arms Miss Violet Edmands.
who was weeping Historically. DO
not worry" he said. everything Will
come out all right" The minister ca me
out OF the house In the mrrky dawn.
passing between two rows OF police
wST5apar men and curious neighbors.
and was taken to police Headquarters
IN Boston IN a taNicab to be arraigned.
The case was set for October 81 for
hearing. and Richeson was commit
ted to tn Charles Street Jail without
| bail Within few days the wedding
Invitations OF the minister and Mis-;
| Edmauds. sUmlEoning the guests TO
the Edmands home on October 81. we've
| recalled.
| Before the Gay OF the hearing ar