Arizona republican., 1919-02-20
LITTLE HEADWAY IN VAN RITTER CASE IN
 TRIAL $ FIRST DAY
Jury Selection Takes Much of Time-Victim of Shoot ing, Weak, in Court-Wit- ness Tells of Affair.

With practically the entire time given over the selection of jury, | little progress was made in the flrst day of the trial of J. B. Van Ritter, . charged with assault with intent to commit murder.
 William Woolf. former manager of the Harmon Motor company, whom Van Ritter shot last August, appeared in the court room a few hours during the afternoon, but the strain of the confinement in the hot, crowded and poorly ventilated room told on the in jured man. As he left the building he looked drawn and haggard, and pre- sented a pitiful picture as he moved slowly down the hall on his crutches- WOolf was known to most every one present. having lived here practically all his life and having served for long term as undersheriff of this cOun- ty. Yesterday was one of the few days since the third of last August that he has appeared in public. and he was given a real reception in the hall where he sat during the afternoon recess.
 Six men were challenged for jury duty for one cause of another. The first man to leave the box was M. H. Malcom, who said he was prejudiced. Ed Ruppert and Louis Cuber were re- leased from duty for the same reason; and NJ. F. Dewitt and q. C. kars, who had fixed opinions. were recognized by the court as not qualified to serve. C. II. Russell stated that he could not hear very well and his deafness served in granting his release. The twelve men who were chosen to pass their verdict in the case of young Van Ritter are A. l.. Andrews, R. W. Westover, Fred F. Cooley, Neil Cook, NJ. B. Brooks, C. D. Nash, A. C. Cox. A. E. Root, O. F. Gilett. R. E. Keesler, Harry J. Malody and W. A. Millett.
 Try to Prove Insanity?
 The trend of questions proved be- yond all doubt that counsel for the de- fense intends to attempt to prove in- sanity.
 You understand Of course that be- fore a man can form any intent to commit any act. he must be in posses sion of his mental faculties, do you not2" asked F. C. Struckmeyer of the jurors.
 "I object" from County Attorney l.. NJ. Laney, who declared that be- cause a man gave way to brute pas sion and blind rage it was no excuse for murder, attempted murder or as sault. People are obliged to govern their passion, he said as he offered further objection that was overruled by the court
 Another question even more ire quently put by Van Riter's attorney had 10 do with specific intent to kill, which was emphasized in the informa- ton filed against Van Ritter
 The defendant. who is only 24 years of age. did not appear greatly alarmed over the outcome Of the case. He sat with his attorneys and now and then offered a suggestion to F. B. Goodwin. who is associated with Struckmeyer in the ease. His wife. a pretty young girl, and their year and half old baby ] daughter were in the court room, the child playing about the room. it's baby mind not grasping the significance of l the surroundings. Interested in some | thing new 10 her she romped and | played for hours and then, weary, | rested in her mothers arms as she sat | close 10 her husband whose freedom IS ! at stake
 Clark Testifies on Shooting Frank Clark, who was employed by the Harmon Motor company at the 1 time of the shooting, was the first and only witness called to the stand. He ! told of the afternoon in May when Van Ritter came in to the Harmon show rooms with the intention of buying 1 a car. The witness testified that he passed several hours there negotiating and finally a trade whereby the coin- pany took over Van Riters Dodge cal and accepted notes and cash in eX- . change. Clark said that Van Ritter was 1 informed that the car he purchased was not new but had been used fol demonstration purposes. It had beer painted-but was in good condition anC practically new, said Clark, who ad mitted that Van Ritter had found faul with the car before the August da, when his dissatisfaction took the form of shooting the manager of the con
 cern. Clark said he distinctly re called the day Van Ritter appeared an, demanded that he see WoOlf. At tha time Woolf was in the repair room and was informed Van Ritter was ther
 to see him. to which he replied tha if Van Ritter wants to talk as he di, before I don't want to see him" Clarl was asked by the county attorney i the two men had any conversation
 Yes" he replied Wan Ritter ap
 preached Woolf, saying well, I hay concluded to bring the car back am also concluded you have 10 give bac
 my car, papers and checks. Wool answered There's nothing doing an I'll not have any argument over this
 and then I heard Van Ritter say. The
 therell be no argument, and he wen
 into the shop after Woolf''
 Clark said that he saw Van Rite
 had an automatic pistol and that h
 walked deliberately up to Woolf firm
 point blank. Woolf did not fall i'm
 mediately, he said but swung aroun
 before he fell. In the meantime Hose
 Kline. who was in the shop. prevente further shooting and Clark saw n
 more as he hastened to get in touc