The Union & Advertiser
February 15, 1896
For His Life
Trial of Egbert H. CHATFIELD Begins Monday
The Theory of Self-Defense Will be Advocated by
His Counsel, Hon. George RAINES
A Strong Case for the Defense - Preparations to
Receive the Crowd of Spectators
Monday Morning at 10 o'clock in the Supreme Court room
in Powers block the trial of Egbert H. CHATFIELD on the charge of murder in the
first degree will be commenced. CHATFIELD is indicted for the murder of Dominick
KEARNS on the night of May 26th. He shot KEARNS in the barroom of Thos.
CURVIN's hotel at the corner of Brooks and Plymouth avenues at 10:30 o'clock on
a Sunday night after an excited dispute.
It is said that CHATFIELD, while standing at the bar,
remarked that he was a member of the A. P. A. and drew a revolver from his
pocket.
KEARNS, who was standing near the bar said CHATFIELD was afraid to shoot and
made a movement as if to go around to the side of the table where CHATFIELD
stood. The latter then raised his revolver, it is alleged, and fired at KEARNS,
who stood not over seven feet away. One shot was fired and it took effect in
KEARNS' right breast. KEARNS walked back a few steps, and, leaning against the
bar, said: "I'm shot all right."
He then walked across the barroom to the Brooks avenue exit, and as he stepped
out of the door fell from the steps.
CHATFIELD at once proceeded to the police station and
gave himself up. At the station he told Capt. Baird that he had shot a man at
CURVIN's Hotel in self-defense. At this time CHATFIELD did not know that KEARNS
was dead.
At CHATFIELD's trial Assistant District Attorney WARREN
and Daniel W. FORSYTH will represent the people and Hon. George RAINES will
conduct the defense.
The court attendants this morning were busy arranging
the old Circuit Court room for the trial under the direction of Officer BLUCHMER
and GOODWIN. Hundreds of extra chairs have been placed in the room and all
cumbersome furniture removed. It is expected from the nature of the case
that a large crowd of spectators will be attracted to the trial. After all the
seats are taken Sheriff HANNAN will refuse admittance to others, so that the
room will at no time be uncomfortably crowded.
Especial attention has been paid to the accommodations
for the newspapermen this time by the court officers, a large table being
reserved for their use.
It is thought that the case for the defense will be
especially strong. The theory of self-defense will be presented, and many
witnesses will swear that KEARNS attempted to draw a weapon on CHATFIELD. While
CHATFIELD has been indicted for murder in the first degree, it is probable that
the degree of the crime will be reduced by the court. Justice DAVY will preside.
S