E.B. Hunter, in Greensboro News
Rockingham, Oct. 6—William B. Cole went back to his cell late this afternoon in high spirits. After court adjourned, the defendant remained in the courtroom and received warm greetings from innumerable friends. He said that he felt better now that the testimony is lal in. He expressed the opinion that the jury would sustain him.
Miss Elizabeth Cole, the girl who remained unmovable beside her father in his great fight for life, appeared calm, and said that she felt considerably relieved now that the end is in sight.
Cole’s army of defenders were unmistakably happy since both sides announced that they were through with the introduction of testimony.
Clyde Hoey, speaking for the state, said: “The state has made out a strong case and upon the law and the evidence is entitled to a conviction.”
The end came dramatically, no one being prepared to receive the news. It had been expected that the state would put on its alienists, Dr. Alberty Anderson of the state insane asylum, Raleigh, having spent the past week here.
A.L. Brooks of Greensboro, who has played one of the big parts in preparing the defense, said this afternoon “we are satisfied with the manner in which our side has been presented, and we are confident that the verdict will be favorable to us.”
The defense, while not getting the testimonies of Doctors J.T.J. Battle and H.H. Dobson before the jury, were jubilant over the fact that they were able to present the report of the two Greensboro physicians to the audience and the people of North Carolina. They take the position that any suspicion as to the purity of the girl has now been forever removed.
There is speculation on every corner as to what the jury’s verdict will be. Some swear by acquittal while others think it will be either second degree murder or manslaughter. No one is looking for first degree. Then again, there are people who predict a mistrial. The defense has laid foundation for appeal in case the verdict is against them. The state cannot appeal.
If the jury cannot agree, Cole will e returned to jail to begin all over again. Nothing but a mistrial and first degree can keep the wealthy manufacturer in jail after the jury reports, say those following the case. In the event second degree is returned, the defense will in all probability appeal and the prisoner may be released on bond. In the event of manslaughter, some thing he will serve his sentence, provided it isn’t too stiff, while others believe an appeal will be made.
It is expected that Judge Finley will not charge the jury to specify on which one of the two pleas it arrives at its verdicts. Of course, if he is liberated on self defense plea, that ends it. Ordinarily of the prisoner is not found guilty on the ground that he was insane at the time of the homicide, the court would order the defendant to appear and show cause why he shouldn’t be sent to the criminal insane asylum. In the case of Cole this will not occur, because neither side contends that he is insane now. It would be vain to try to prove him insane now in view of the fact that the state is arguing that he was sane on August 15 and is sane now.
Judge Finley, after court today, said he hopes the jury will be able to reach a verdict. It is expected that the 12 men will be held together to the last ditch in order to get a verdict.
Obviously disappointed that the court excluded the letters of Miss Cole to Bill Ormond, the state attorneys express themselves as confident that the rich manufacturer will not escape punishment. It is doubtful that the prosecution expects first degree, second degree seems to be the opinion.
When the state rested without putting Rev. A.L. Ormond, father of the dead boy, on the stand, many were sorely disappointed. The father, who has at through the trial in reverential silence, was expected by many to take the stand.
From page 8 of The Concord Daily Tribune, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 1925
newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073201/1925-10-07/ed-1/seq-8/
No comments:
Post a Comment