Probable Homicide.
--A most unfortunate affair occurred in
Henrico county, about 4 ½ miles from this city, on Friday last, which will probably result in the death of a highly respected citizen.
John O
Taylor,
Esq. It appears that
Mr. Taylor had purchased a farm from
Joseph Barnard, who had separated from his wife, but continued to live on the place, and on Friday the former went there with workmen to put up a fence.
Barnard claimed some plank which they were about to use, as his own, and some words ensued.
when
Mr. Taylor took hold of him and expressed a wish that no difficulty might occur between them
Barnard then went into the house and got a pistol, and approaching within about three feet of
Mr. Taylor, flied. --The ball entered beneath Mr. T's shoulder and glanced downwards into the stomach.
The unfortunate man fell, and when the workmen went to him he informed them that he was unable to get up. They at once secured
Barnard, who, it is reported, said that he had another charge ready if the first didn't kill him — or something to that effect.
He was subsequently taken to the county jail by
Wm. E. Wade.
As soon as possible after the occurrence.
Drs. Sinton, Berle and
Terrell were called to the aid of
Mr. Taylor, whose situation was found to be exceedingly dangerous.
A consultation of physicians was held on Saturday night, and the result was an opinion that he could not recover.
We heard yesterday afternoon that he was sinking, and that his lower limbs were paralyzed.
The prisoner was partially examined before
Justice Lee, and the case continued until Wednesday.
He is a man of sixty-five years. On Saturday he seemed to feel no regret at the bloody deed he had committed.
There are several versions of the affair in circulation, but after diligent inquiry we have ascertained that the above narration is probably correct
Mr. Taylor was for many years one of the magistrates of the county, and is well known as an upright and useful citizen.
The affair has occasioned a painful sensation throughout the community.