CLERGYMAN ELECTROCUTED,

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1444, 20 May 1912, Page 5

CLERGYMAN ELECTROCUTED.

* MURDERED HIS SWEETHEART. By Telegraph—Press Assoeiaiioc-Oopyrif ht. (Rec. May 19, 5.5 p.m.) New York, May 18. An appeal for- clemency by Clarence Richeson, a clergyman, who was fouud guilty of tho murder of his sweetheart, Avis Linnell, in order that ho might marry a wealthy parishioner, failed. Bicheson, prior to being electrocuted, confessed his crime.

A CHOIR GIRL'S DEATH. After two hours' discussion, the linmanuel Baptist Church, New York, by 30 votes to 15, refused to accept the resignation of tho pastor, Mr. Clarence Richeson, who was accused of poisoning Miss Avis Linnell, a pretty choir girl, and a,gainst whom the Grand Jury returned a true bill on November It. The women formed tho majority present, and they pleaded that tho acceptance of tho resignation would prejudice the interests of the accused minister at the forthcoming trial. The controversy waxed warm, and many tears were shed. l>y another voto it was decided to adjourn the final decision until November 24. It was evident from the discussion that Richeson still had many friends in his congregation, and the ladies in particular were eloquent in his behalf. In tho meantime the Brookline Baptist Church, where Mr. Moses Edmonds, tho minister's prospective father-in-law, and daughter Violet attended, has sent the following communication to the Immaunel Church:—"Greetings, dear brethren. Wa send you our love and sympathy in your severe trial, and our jjraycr is that the great Head of tho Church may sustain and guide you in all your ways." Miss Violet Edmands was to have married Richeson on October 31. Tije Rev. Edward Miller, another Baptist pastor in Massachusetts, who'has occasionally exchanged pulpits with Richeson, stated that the accused had admitted to him that he had been engaged to Miss Linnell, rind in August last said that ho had broken off the engagement.. Mr. Miller declared emphatically that Richeson could never havo committed tho murder unless he was insane. "Ho wasn't that sort of a man," said Mr. Miller.