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Domestic News
January 3, 1846
The Columbia Democrat
Bloomsburg, Columbia County, Pennsylvania
What is this article about?
Sheriff J. B. Backenston of Hancock County, Illinois, was acquitted in Peoria of murder charges related to the death of anti-Mormon Worrell last fall. The verdict is seen as just, potentially encouraging officials amid Mormon-anti-Mormon tensions.
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SHERIFF BACKENSTOS ACQUITTED.
J. B. Backenston, Sheriff of Hancock county, Ill., has been tried at Peoria on the charge of murder, connected with the death of Worrell, the anti-Mormon last fall. The jury brought in a verdict of 'not guilty.' The jury could not have arrived at any other conclusion justly. The Missouri Reporter says, 'In the first place, he did not shoot Worrell, nor was Worrell shot at his instigation or with his consent, and in the second place, if Worrell had been shot by him, the act would have been, under the circumstances, perfectly justifiable.' We hope that this verdict will encourage the public officers in the neighborhood of the Mormons to discharge their duties fearlessly, if difficulties shall again occur between the saints and the anti-Mormons.
J. B. Backenston, Sheriff of Hancock county, Ill., has been tried at Peoria on the charge of murder, connected with the death of Worrell, the anti-Mormon last fall. The jury brought in a verdict of 'not guilty.' The jury could not have arrived at any other conclusion justly. The Missouri Reporter says, 'In the first place, he did not shoot Worrell, nor was Worrell shot at his instigation or with his consent, and in the second place, if Worrell had been shot by him, the act would have been, under the circumstances, perfectly justifiable.' We hope that this verdict will encourage the public officers in the neighborhood of the Mormons to discharge their duties fearlessly, if difficulties shall again occur between the saints and the anti-Mormons.
What sub-type of article is it?
Legal Or Court
Crime
What keywords are associated?
Sheriff Backenston
Worrell Death
Mormon Conflict
Murder Acquittal
Peoria Trial
What entities or persons were involved?
J. B. Backenston
Worrell
Where did it happen?
Peoria
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Peoria
Event Date
Last Fall
Key Persons
J. B. Backenston
Worrell
Outcome
verdict of not guilty; backenston acquitted of murder charge.
Event Details
Sheriff J. B. Backenston of Hancock county, Ill., tried at Peoria for murder connected with the death of anti-Mormon Worrell last fall. Jury found him not guilty, deemed justifiable under circumstances even if he had shot Worrell.