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Reynolds' Murder Case Verdict Burt Moore - 1866 - 1893 |
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Reynolds' Murder Case Verdict Burt Moore - 1866 - 1893 |
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--------- That was the Verdict of the Jury, on the First Ballot, in the Reynolds' Murder Case. As we stated in our last issue the greater portion of last week was occupied in reading the testimony in the Reynolds' trail to the new juror. This task was complete Friday morning and the remaining restimony put in on that day so that everything was in readiness for the arguments Saturday morning. The interest taken in the case and the high-reputation of the attorneys engaged drew a large crowd to the court room Saturday, eager to hear the arguments, and many were unable to gain admitance so quickly was every available place occupied. Prosecuting Attorney Fish made the opening address for the people, presenting the case in a very clear, forcible and impressive manner, and occupying nearly two hours' time. He was followed by C.R. Wilkes for the defense, who occupied the balance of the forenoon and about half an hour in the afternoon, reviewing the testimony and making an eloquent plea for the respondent; Col. Atkinson, of Detroit, followed Mr. Wilkes for the defense and G.A. Farr, of Grand Haven, closed the case for the people. Judge Padgham then delivered a very fair and impartial charge, summing up the main points in the case and giving the law governing them, the jury retired to deliberate and it being nearly 6 o'clock court adjourned to re-convene at 7:30 o'clock in the evening. So absorbing was the interest taken in the case that, though it was thought by many that the jury was likely to be out for hours, yet the court room was again filled before the hour of convening arrived. When Judge Padgham returned and opened court word was brought him that the jury had agreed upon a decision and he ordered them brought in at once. As the 12 men quietly filled in and took their places an almost breathless quiet reigned over the court room but when the foreman announced their unanimous decision, "not quilty," a wild burst of applause followed, woman jumping on the seats and waving their handkerchiefs, while the men shouted and for a time Judge, Sheriff and Deputies were powerless to restore order. Reynolds was overcome at first, but in a few moments recovered himself sufficiently to go to the jurors and grasp their hands, thanking them in almost inarticulate but heartfelt words for freeing him from the terrible charge against him. The whold was the most affecting and dramatic scene that has ever occurred in our court room. We are indebted to Mrs. Kate E. Ward for a verbatim report of the arguments made by the lawyers, and had intended to give them this week, but, owing to the absence of our foreman, and the large amount of other important news this week, we will have to content ourselves with giving Col. Atkinson's plea for the defense this week and Mr. Farr's closing speech next week. (G.A. Farr's Argument in the Reynolds Trial can be viewed in The Allegan Journal June 9, 1893 issue.) |
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Last Updated on 5/01/2021
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