Dillon Convicted of Slaying on Barge

Camden Courier-Post – February 15, 1938

Mixed Jury Returns Verdict of Manslaughter in Brother-in-Law’s Death

A mixed jury yesterday convicted William Dillon, 22, of manslaughter in the death of his brother-in-law, Frank Webley.

Common Pleas Court Judge Clifford A. Baldwin, who heard the case, said he would sentence Dillon next week.

After a fight aboard a barge off Twenty-ninth street Webley, 30, died in West Jersey hospital December 13.

Isaac W. Eason, assistant prosecutor, conducted the case. Anthony F. Marino represented Dillon with a plea of self-defense.

Captain Fred Dillon, owner of the barge and father of the accused man, told of the night of the fight and said both had been drinking. He said they drank half a gallon of wine. After the fight when, Captain Dillon said, he thought Webley was asleep on the deck, his son came to him and said: “I’m sorry but I had to do this, Dad.”

Webley was drunk when he came aboard, Captain Dillon testified. He said he thought Webley was hurt in a fall against a stove.

Captain Joseph Bowers, master of another coal barge, said he was on the death barge the night of the fight. He declared Webley had been drinking and that Captain Dillon gave him $2 to get a gallon of wine.

After hearing Dr. Edward B. Rogers describe the autopsy on Webley and the younger Dillon tell of the fight, the jury retired to find the verdict.