Evening star., 1926-12-04
Widow, Stevens Brothers and
Carpenter Released After
Jury Says "Not Guilty"
SIMPSON STAYS AWAY
AS DECISION is REACHED
Final Action in Famous Case Is
Taken Upon Instructions of
Attorney General.
Ry the Associated Press.

COURTHOUSE, SOMERVILLE, n.
J.. December All defendants in the
Hall-Mills murder case were released
from custody teday, when Supreme
Court Justice Charles NJ Parker, on
motion OF Attorney General katZen-
bach, quashed the indictments which
remained against them after yester-
days acquittal Of Mrs. Frances Stew
ems Hall and her brothers, Willie and
Henry Stevens. for the murder Of Mrs.
Eleanor r. Mills.
The indictments quashed today We're
as follows:
Mrs. Hall and her two brothers. and
their cousin, Henry De La Bruyere
Carpender, charged with the murder
of the Rev. Edward W. Hall: Henry
carpenter. charged with the murder
of Mrs. Mills.
Attorney General katZenbach took
charge of the proceedings when Spe-
rial Prosecutor Alexander Simpson
telephoned that he would not come to
court.
After the motions had been passed
upon by the court, Attorney General
katZenbach said he had appeared for
the State because Simpson had asked
Gov Moore that he be relieved from
Members of the jury. which last
night returned the verdict Of acQuit-
tai. today were paid S?3 each for their
81 days service.
Jury Ont Five Hours.
The jury that freed Mrs. Hall and
Willie and Henry Stevens deliberated
five hours and eight minutes before
bringing in separate yerdicts. 1t is
said that three ballots were taken,
The first standing 10 to for acquittal,
The second l. to and the third unan-
imous.
4 deep silence in the courtroom
greeted the announcements after the
names of Henry Stevens, Willie
Stevens and Mrs. Hall were called. in
order. but in the corridors outside
there was heard cheering when the
news reached the. crowds gathered
there. Justice Parlie. mad warned
against any demonstration in the
courtroom.
The defendants heard the verdicts
calmly, Henry stevens being the only
one to show outward emotion. Tears
came into his eyes and he wiped them
away before grasping his wife's hand.
lie then smiled broadly. Willie ac-
cepted his vindiCation with his Gus
tomary heaming smile, and Mrs. Hall
smiled momentarily. but quickly re
srmed the dignified reserve which was
hers throughout the month of the
trial.
Special Prosecutor Simpson said he
favored having the remaining indict-
ments pressed. subject to the opinion
OF Gov. Moore. He reasserted his
charge that it was impossible to get
fair trial" in Somerset County and
said he probably would ask to be
relieved as special prosecutor if the
case were continued. He said he was
not surprised at the verdict.
Mrs. Hall Issues Statement.
Mrs Hall said:
My brothers and | are very glad.
after four years Of gossip and false
accusations. to have had an opportu-
nifty to face tho situation in open
court. We are glad to have personally
gone on the witness stand and sub
mitted ourselves to thorough cross
examination and to have obtained
complete vindication through the YER
dict of a Somerset County jury.
The testimony OF the witnesses has
heen broadly distEibulcd daily through
the public prints. and we believe the
verdict will have full approval through.
Continued on Page Q. Column p