Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-07-31
ROBINSON IS FREED
OF MURDER CHARGE
Release Expected Today,
Following AcquittaI for Slay-
ing Young virginian.

BY stan Correspondent Of The star.
FRONT ROYAL. Va, July 31.-
Commonwealth Attorney John H..
Downing was taking steps today to
nolie PROSE- a first degree murder
charge In the killing of John NJ. john
son and expected to order the release
of Henry C. Robinson. who was ac-
quilted last night by jury in Warren
County Circuit Court OF murder
charge in the shooting of Johnson's
son. Middleton johnson, on the main
street here June 9.
The father and son were shot to
death by Robinson after quarrel
over an automobile accident and the
State decided to bring the accused to
trial first for the killing of the son.
The Jury returned its verdict at
1890 o'clock last night after three
hours of deiiberation Four ballots
were taken. There was not sound
in the crowded courtroom as the ver-
dict was read. Only the acquitted man
moved. Turning In his chair. he en-
btGRSQ lObAiA NAlCs NAIu NHN 1lUhQ1elg
their three -year-old baby Doris asleep
in her arms.
Jehnsons Are Daxed.
The Johnsons appeared dazed when
they heard the verdict. or the family.
only Mrs. Middleton Johnson and five
Johnson girls were in court, Mrs. John
johnson, nearly 20, being confined to-
her bed
just before the jury filed in. Judge
Philip Williams warned the spectators
that no demonstration whatsoever
would be tolerated. A. dozen armed
guards were stationed throughout the
room with instructions to arrest any
person who commented in any way ON
the iury's decision.
Robinson was the first person to
Leave the court. His attempt TO thank
tne lurymen was cut short by Judge
Williams, who ordered the sheriff and
an armed deputy to take Robinson
pack TO tail at Perryville.
Mrs Robinson. accompanied by
score of friends and relatives. returned
to her home on the outskirts of the
town.
During the seven weeks since the
shooting, Mrs. Robinson has handled her
husbands Photographic business. ar
ranged for his defense and taken care
Of her home and baby.
throughout the trial. Mrs. Robinson
mas been under terrific strain. Her
oniy breakdown In court. however. came
Yesterday afternoon when the strident
tones OF the defense attorneys fright
cned the baby, which began to cry.
While trying to comfort the child. the
oeerwrought nerves gave way
si.o She cried for about tive minutes,
lnaiiy leaving the courtroom, not TO
return until she had regained her COM
posure
Accused Authorities.
since the opening of the trial. Ave
lavs ago. Front Royal has been the
sathefing point for people from miles
noullu. Inc closing session yesterday
.'io .ulu'Nileo tne fireworks for which the
'pSStators sr,t nave been waiting patiently.
Ine relations between opposing coun-
'el We're unusually friendly during the |
lrst part OF the trial but became badly |
sualned yesterday when Defense Attor. |
lsSs ,, w. G, Armstrong and Aubrey
accused four town authorities !
lIlcIuuing commonwealth ATTORNEY
downing, OF being responsible for the |
leatn OF the two Johnsons,
The blood Of John and Middleton /
ionnson stains the hands of the town i
.utnoritieS not those OF the defendant 1
HonlnSon, Mr., Weaver shouted
RoninSon's appeals for aid and pro- /
eetion were denied by the mayor, the !
uStice or the peace, the deputy sheriff !
ma the commonwealth attorney He .
vas left with no alternative but 10 pro- I
ect himself"
:. turning to Mr. Downing. Attorney /
weaver leaned over tile counsel table /
md shouted: '""'V
You, Mr. Downing, are nlnch Ia /
blame for these killings. When the ac-
'uSeu came to You for protection, Won /
,eIused To help him. saying that you
we're going to a bah game.
Judge InterveneS.
The commonwealth attorney. nails /
WIN anger, jumped from his chair and /
denying that he had ever made any
'uch statement, appealed to Judge vii. /
Jams Tor protection. Atterney " p
Moftett, the third defense LAWYER ,eft
ais seat NJ this point and started to
peak, hul was dragged back by Weaver
As the wrangle continued Judge will
iams was forced To request counsel Ia
conduct their arguments In a more
'rderly manner.
The bad feeling broke out again when
leorRe ID. Hornlng. former United
states assistant district attorney for
was closins the case, He
scantinued "a PAGE al Column g.
.~sarNM&Ms q