Wilmington Daily Gazette

An Exciting Court-Room Scene.

Baltimore, May 9.—On the night of January 2d last, Mrs. Mary Ann Lampley, an aged lady, was murdered in this city, and the house robbed of several hundred dollars during the absence of her husband. Some time afterwards, Joshua Nicholson, who married a grand-daughter of Mrs. Lampley, and Thomas R. Whalen, alias Hollohan, were arrested, charged with the murder, and indicted.

The case was removed to the Circuit Court of Anne Arundel county, and the trial commenced at Annapolis, on Wednesday last, and the evidence for the State and the defense was concluded yesterday afternoon. During the trial Deputy Marshal Frey and Chief Detective Crane, of this city, testified relative to the confession of the murder made by the prisoners.

A special to the American from Annapolis this morning says: When the cell of Hollohan was entered it was found that he had worked the irons off both legs. Subsequently he was brought into court with Nicholson, and the trial was proceeding, the State's Attorney making his closing argument, when Hollohan suddenly sprang from the prisoner's box, and rushing at Deputy Marshal Frey struck him violently over the head with heavy pieces of iron wrapped in a stocking.—Nicholson also sprang out of the prisoners' box and rushed toward Frey, when an indiscriminate melee ensued. The scene was fearful and exciting, such as seldom has been witnessed in a court of justice.

Detectives Bontier and Shaffer rushed to the rescue of Marshal Frey to protect him from the murderous attack of Hollohan, and to secure the two criminals. Hollohan was struck on the head and badly cut, and blood streamed over his face. Marshal Frey, though terribly stunned, was able to assist in subduing the prisoners, both of whom were soon overcome and handcuffed. After the excitement subsided the trial of the case was proceeded with and given to the jury at 1 o'clock, who soon returned with a verdict of "guilty of murder in the first degree."