They Say That Jordan Did It
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LAST EDITION
The Coroner's Jury Hold Him Responsible.
CORONER TOMLINSON IN CHARGE.
Lawyer Semple Was Unceremoniously Sat On—Susan Eldridge Heard a Woman Cry "Murder"—Catharine Simmons Heard the Pistol Shot.
Coroner Tomlinson conducted the inquest this morning in the case of Lizzie Copelaine, who was murdered in her store, 620 Kaighn avenue, on Thursday last.
County Physician Iszard testified to being notified of the murder and visiting the scene, where he found Mrs. Copelaine's body lying on the floor with a bullet wound in her right breast. He made a post mortem examination, assisted by Dr. Alex. McAllister, and found the bullet had passed through the lungs and severed the pulmonary artery, lodging at the juncture of the sixth rib. It was his opinion that the woman met a violent death.
Dr. McAllister corroborated County Physician Iszard's testimony in regards to the post mortem examination.
Lieutenant of Police John S. Smith next took the stand. He testified that he was notified that a murder had been committed on Kaighn avenue last Thursday. With Chief of Police Davis, after obtaining a discription [sic] of the murderer, he made a search for the murderer. They tracked the man to Gloucester where he was arrested in a barn. He gave the name of Charles Jordan.
After being locked up in the Camden City Hall where two other colored men were locked up on suspicion of committing the crime, Jordan said, "Let them go, for I did it."
Howard Cramer, a small boy, was called to testify, and as he was about to take the oath, Lawyer Semple who represented Jordan, arose, and addressing the coroner said, "I have no objection to this boy testifying." Coroner Tomlinson replied, "You have nothing to do with this."
When Mr. Semple attempted to offer an explanation he was ordered to sit down. The boy testified to seeing a colored man whom he did not know, shoot Mrs. Copelaine.
James Kelly testified to having lost his revolver on the day the crime was committed and afterwards being told that Jordan had stolen it. He recognized the weapon as his, which was found at the scene of the murder, when it was shown to him by the police the next day. He was shown the bullet taken from Mrs. Copelaine's breast and said it was the size his pistol carried.
George Jones, a colored bootblack, was called, and said he know [sic] nothing of the case, but pocketed the half-dollar witness fee with a broad grin.
Susan Eldridge, also colored, was called but could throw but little light on the case