Brothers Refute Batchelder Plea of Self Defense

Actor-Slayer Taken to Jail In Cape May County, Where He Will Be Tried

NO REVOLVER ON CRAMER

Harry Batchelder, vaudeville actor, of this city, charged with murdering Constable William T. Cramer, while the constable was attempting to attach Batchelder’s automobile.

Batchelder was taken to Cape May Court House late yesterday by Sheriff Tomlin and Constable Newkirk.

The accused man will plead self-defense, it was learned today.

“Yes I shot him, but to protect my life,” said the prisoner to Captain of Detectives Schregler and Detective Troncone, when he was arrested in Audubon. He declined to discuss the case further. Samuel M. Shay has been engaged as his counsel.

No Revolver On Cramer

Though Batchelder insists Cramer pointed a revolver at him, the fact is refuted by John and Joseph Albright, Camden garage owners, who accompanied Cramer on his visit to Tuckahoe, and by the fact that no revolver was found on his body.

The brothers, who had obtained a judgment against Batchelder for repairs to his car, declare as Cramer approached, Batchelder cried:

“Don’t come near me!”

Cramer, however, ignored the warning and Batchelder at once began firing.

According to an autopsy performed by County Physician Souder, of Atlantic County, the bullets perforated Cramer’s lungs, heart, and abdomen.

Belated Medical Aid

Three hours elapsed before Cramer, bleeding profusely from the bullet wounds, received medical attention. This was due to the remoteness of hospitals from the scene of the shooting. Cramer was finally brought to the Atlantic City Hospital at 7:00, although the shooting occurred about 4:00.

The shooting was the result of a dispute over a claim of $20.00 for repairs to the automobile of Batchelder.

It was reported Batchelder had been advised he was immune from attachment proceedings because he was in a county other than the one in which judgment had been obtained against him.

Cramer, however, was proceeding under the garage lien act, which would enable him to seize the car in any part of the State.

Batchelder will be tried in Cape May County, as the shooting occurred there. Cape May officials said today they will press for a verdict of murder in the first degree in his case. They pointed out that the Statutes hold that a person killing an officer in pursuance of his duty is guilty of first degree murder.