Description
A mock trial was given at the colored Baptist church, on Friday eve last. The case was State against Robert Armstrong charged with assault with intent to kill Sam Birch.
The state presented a strong case, showing conclusively that it was a deliberate, premeditated and malice aforethought assault with intent to kill. The defense made a plea of self-defense.
Jasper Taylor was Judge of the court. The jury was composed of twelve of our best citizens and after being out about 10 minutes returned the following verdict: “We, the jury, find the defendant guilty and sentence him to the penitentiary for 25 years.”
W. T. Lewis was leading attorney for the state ably assisted by Lewis Gaines and Prof. T. V. Reynolds. Tom Fields, Richard Doyle and Henry Collier acted in a like capacity for the defense.
The brilliant, forcible, and eloquent arguments of the attorneys for the state were the features. A large crowd was in attendance. J.Date(s) of Creation
3/2/1900
