The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1917-01-25
G.J. HERS GETS SIX YEARS
EHRHARDT MAN FOUND GUILTY
OF MANSLAUGHTER.
Three Days Trial Concluded Saturday
Night.-Notice of Appeal Given.
Released on Bond.

The case of the State versus
George J. HERS, charged with the
murder of Charles E. Kinsey at Ehr-
hardt on October 27, last, was con-
cluded Saturday night, when the jury
returned verdict of guilty of man
slaughter, the verdict being reached
about o'clock. Mr.. HERS was SEN
fenced by Judge Gary to six years
imprisonment. A motion for a new
trial was Immediately made by coun-
sci for Mr.. HERS. The motion was
declined, and notice of intention to
appeal was served. The judge grant
ed bail for Mr.. HERS in the sum of
$1,000, which was Immediately fur
nished, and Mr.. HERS was released.
This case was one Of the most in
teresting in the history of the coun-
ty. On account of the prominence
of the defendant and the deceased
the court house was packed every
day during the three days trial. The
presence of a large number of ladies
was noticeable throughout the trial.
Every phase of the case was closely
contested by both sides.
Mr.: HERS stood up we'll under the
strain of the long trial, and it was
only when the verdict was rendered
that he gave vent to his feelings, Sob
bing when the words of the verdict
were read. Throughout tie trial he
was surrounded by his family. His
two sons, Messrs. Haskell and John,
were constantly at his side, with his
daughters and other family -connec-
tions sitting nearby.
The case was called for trial
Thursday morning. Immediately on
court opening, counsel for the de-
fence renewed the motion previously
made for a continuance. 1t was set
forth in the motion shat important
witnesses for the defence were ab-
sent, and that all efforts to secure
these witnesses had been unavailing.
Judge Gary oves iled tho molten;
stating that he was convinced that
proper diligence had not been used
to secure the absent witnesses, and
he ordered the trial to proceed.
The selection Of the jury consumed
about one hour, the predicted diff
Guilty in securing twelve men to hear
the case not materializing. Each of
the jurors was put on his voire dire,
and closely questioned as to preju-
dice and bias. What were termed by
Attorney Mayfield sensational ar
ticles" in The Bamberg Herald was
the basis of questions proDounded to
one juror, who told the court that
he had formed and expressed an
opinion of the case. However, the
juror, who is a reader of The
Herald, stated that the articles in
The Herald had nothing to do with
forming his opinion. This line of
questioning was not directed at any
other juror.
Taking of Testimony.
Dir. Charles F. Black, who per-
formed the autopsy at the inquest,
was the first witness for the State.
DR.. Black described in detail the
wounds found on the body of Kinsey.
The range of wounds was about on
level, but from different angles. De-
ceased would have been able to move
several steps after receiving WOUNDS.
Witness was cross examined closely
as to the wound and as to the prob
able effects, and gave it as his opin-
ion that the force of large shot would
cause change of position.
DR.. J. H. Roberts testified that he
went to the store after the shooting.
Saw Kinsey's body in store, lying
against counter. He examined the
body, and described the wounds
found. The left hand, said the wit
ness, was on the chest at time; was
not certain as to the position of the
right hand. Wound in shoulder or
=
neck would probably have caused
death. Saw four pistol balls picked
up. Found pistol ball in flesh in
chest. In his opinion it mad gone
through arm. He described the IN
terror of Kinsey's store. There was
a counter on each side, with stove
near the rear, and refrigerator IN
the rear. The clothes of the deceased
were exhibited, and the witness was
questioned as to the holes in same.
On cross examination, the witness
said that he knew of the prosecution
of Kinsey for violation of the prohl-
bition law, and that the HERS IN
stituted the prosecution. Following
prosecution, Kinsey was hostile 10