MURDER TRIAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 February 1921, Page 5

MURDER TRIAL.

CARTERTON TRAGEDY RECALLED. DEATH FOLLOWS QUARREL. By Telegraph.—Press .AMOciatioh. Wellington, Last Night. The murder trial of Frederick Thompson, of Carterton, whom it is sought to prove was responsible for the death of Anthony Rzoska, on November 20, commenced at tiie Supreme Court to-day. Accused pleaded not guilty. The evidence of the prosecution was that on the afternoon of December 20 deceased and some companions, including accused, had drinks together and then proceeded to the latter’s whare. On the way Rzoska attempted to pick a fight with Thompson, but after some words they went on to the latter’s whare. During conversation an Argument arose, and Rzoska was heard to ask, ‘‘Who brought you home?” Thompson replied, “No one but myself. There must either be some liars or some fools amongst us, and its not me, so it must be you, Tony.” Deceased retorted: “If it’s me, I’m quite able to stand up to it.” He then took off his coat and threw it to someone in the doorway. Thompson said: “Get out of my house.” A shot was then fired, and Rzoska fell. No witness actually saw the shot fired Rzoska made no attempt to strike Thompson before the shot was fired. A revolver was found under the whare. Deceased, in his dying statement, deposed that “Fred had done it; he was the man all right; it was Fred Thompson"” Opening the the defence, Mr. Putman said Thompson had tried to avoid trouble. Na weapon had been seen in his hand, and counsel suggested to the jury that, seeing a revolver lying near, Thompson made a grab at it, and it went off. The Rearing will be continued tomorrow.