Rensselaer Journal, Volume 11, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 August 1901 — ALL ACQUITTED. [ARTICLE]

ALL ACQUITTED.

Hancock’s Assailants Acquitted on Ground of Self Defense. The preliminary trial of Reuben Gundy, charged with assault upon Peter Hancock, of Rose Lawn, was held before Squire Grant last Friday at Rose Lawn. Chas. Hanley, of Rensselaer, assisted John D. Sink in the prosecution and Attoney Ibach, of Hammond, was attorney for the defense. A hot contest was looked for, but before the case had proceeded far, it was apparent that it was all one sided, and after eight or ten witnesses were heard in behalf of the state, not enough evidence had been secured to make a plea on. Three or four wit nesses were heard for the defense, which clearly showed that the assault was in self defense, as Hancock was making a lunge at Gundy with an open pocket knife with the remark, “Here I come, Gundy, d—m you I’ll kill you.” Such was the testimony taken by the court and the prisoner was promptly discharged. The case against John Mellinger, in which he was charged with carrying concealed weapons, was dis missed. John said he did not carry any concealed weapons, that they were in plain sight. John Boughike, as a a participant, was also dismissed.