State v. . George
Supreme Court of North Carolina
This was an indictment for mukdek, tried before DiOK, J., at the last Spring Term of Chowan Superior Court. The prisoner was indicted, with two other slaves, Aaron and Gause or Gauzey, for the murder of their master, "William D. Davenport. There was a count also against Gauzey as principal, and Aaron and the prisoner George, as accessories before the fact.
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This was an indictment for mukdek, tried before DiOK, J., at the last Spring Term of Chowan Superior Court. The prisoner was indicted, with two other slaves, Aaron and Gause or Gauzey, for the murder of their master, "William D. Davenport. There was a count also against Gauzey as principal, and Aaron and the prisoner George, as accessories before the fact. It appeared that the deceased came to his death by gunshot wounds, inflicted on his breast, on the night of 2nd of February, 1858. The gun was discharged about seven o’clock at night, while the deceased was standing in his back piazza, not…
1Opinion of the CourtPearson, J.
The evidence discloses a horrid murder, committed under -circumstances well calculated to excite and alarm the people of the neighborhood. It was the duty of every good citizen to do his utmost in order to find out the perpetrators of the crime, but care should have been taken not to exceed the limits allowed by the rules of law. The prisoner may be guilty, but, to justify a conviction, his guilt must be proved according to law. This has not been done* because of error in admitting as evidence the confessions of the prisoner whose case is now before us, and also in admitting the confessions…
2Cited by4 opinions
- State v. PruittSupreme Court of North Carolina · 1975
- State v. . DrakeSupreme Court of North Carolina · 1893
- State v. . FoxSupreme Court of North Carolina · 1929
- State v. WarrenSupreme Court of North Carolina · 1952