Jack Leo Welch, a seaman aged about 30, pleaded guilty in the United States Court for China on Thusday to a charge a murder, i connexion with the death of a Chinese girl who died from a revolver wound inflicted at a house in Fearon Road on Sunday morning ast.
Major C. P. Holcomb, U. 8. District Attorney, prosecuted for the Government, and Mr. P. M. Linebarger appeared for the defence.
In his opening statement, Major Holcomb said that on Saturday night defendant and two of his shipmates left the str. West Hen-shaw and after visiting various places went to a licenced house at No. 207 Fearon Road. They order-led two bottles of beer which they drank. Defendant stated that he did not like the place so he would leave. He returned at about 1 p.m. and awakened his friend. He later went back to the room of the deceased. In the morning, there was some noise and laughter going on between the two, and shortly after a gun shot was heard. All the inmates were awakened and went to see what was the matter They saw deceased lying on the floor in a pool of blood. She was taken to the hospital where she died shortly afterwards. Defendant was placed under arrest.
Tet. Insp. P. W. Reeves gave evidence of the arrest. Accused (who was duly cautioned) said "All right, officer. It was an accident. I had the pistol under my pillow." Then he said to the girl, "It's all right kid. You'll be well again soon."
The hearing was adjourned.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.