Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 75, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 December 1917 — FRENCH MURDER CASE CLOSED [ARTICLE]

FRENCH MURDER CASE CLOSED

Judge Hanley, who is sitting as. special judge in . the White circuit court, hearing the case of the state against Edward French for the murder of Ray Elston, resumed the hearing Monday after adjournment since Friday. Only one witness, John W. Rodgers of Brookston, remained to be examined, he being too ill to appear in court on Friday before the adjournment. French concluded his testimony in his own behalf on Friday. He told of the killing of Elston in self defense. He told how he ordered Perry Cuppy, William Smallwood and Ray Elston out of the establishment, and how after Cuppy and Smallwood had gone out Elston had said he wanted to talk to him. Blston then told French that ne wanted to marry his daughter, Anna. French told him she was too young and that he was drunk. Blston refused to leave and continued to talk until finally, grabbing a hatchet and attacking him, according to French, thus making the killing necessary and an act of self defense. The state did not cross examine French. It was thought that the lawyers would finish their arguments so that the jury would get the case yesterday.