Norwich bulletin., 1917-05-16
CASE GOES TO JURY.
Verdict in Samuel Pocaro Trial Ex- pected Today-Tuesday's Testimony Accused on the Stand.


 The case of Samuel Pocaro, cha aUed with mansla ugster in connection with the death of Giles Afford, who died as the result of injuries sustained when the rear wall of the Jordan building was dynamited is in the hands of the jury and a verdict will be given by these men this morning. Judge VII liam H. Bennett will charge the jury and then dismiss them until a verdict is reached. State Attorney Searls was the last to argue before the jury and after he stopped talking court was ad- journed.
 Charles R. Utley: William H. Kei rans William P. Jordan, D. F. Ahearn, John Collins, H. C. Williams, J. J. kel- ley M F. Sullivan. Frank White and the accused took the stand in behalf of the defense Tuesday. The first two mentioned took the stand and testified to the damage done in the stores with which they are connected and the way in which the damage was done. Win dows in both stores. which are located near the site of the Jordan building, were broken, and some standards in the windows of the store in which MT Keirans is employed were broken. This damage was done by concussion.
 Recalled by Defense.
 William P. Jordan took the stand last week for the state, but he was re- called by the defense to testify as to his knowledge of the air space which
 
 wall of the building. MT. Jordan stated that he knew that the side walls were made in that way, but he was not sure of the rear wall.
 With the exception of M. E. Sullivan, all of the other witnesses for the de- fense told of their knowledge of dyna- mite as gained in their use of the ex- plosive.
 Accused Testifies.
 Samuel Pocaro took the stand In his own behalf and was questioned by his attorney as to his occupation, etc. He stated that he had been familiar with the use of dynamite for a number of years and had at different times blown down walls like the one in question The day of the explosion Superinten dent of Streets Sullivan came to his house, stating that the mayor would like to see him. Arriving at the store of the mayor, he was asked how much dynamite would be required to rage the wall, and he suggested 50 pounds He at once started to get to work after he was told to go ahead. He told of the way the holes were placed and how the explosive was put into them. After the work had been about comp eted he went to tell the engineer of a locomo- tive that stood directly behind the wall to move out of the way. While he was doing this the blast was set off. He had nothing to do with the setting off of the blast or of ordering 1t to be set off.
 Why 50 Pounds Were Used.
 The reason that the 50 pounds were used was given as the explosive would meet no resistance from the front and a large amount had to be used. He thought that the stones would fly about 30 feet but no more. The way in which the blast was put in and the way the wall stood made it almost impOssi- ble to place an obstruction in front of the dynamite, and if it was placed there by means of mats the dynamite would have tended to explode side ways.
 Did Not Give Signal.
 On cross examination the witness stated that he gave his suggestion as to the amount necessary to do the work and that he was in charge of placing the dynamite in the holes. It was not up to him to take charge of the crowd, and he did not give the signal for the setting off of the blast.
 Court will come in at 0.3o o'clock this morning, after which Judge Ben nett will charge the jury.