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Story
December 23, 1903
The Evening Bulletin
Maysville, Mason County, Kentucky
What is this article about?
In Brooklyn, Frank H. Burness, a 44-year-old self-confessed murderer, is convicted of first-degree murder for shooting Capt. George B. Townsend over unpaid wages. He calmly admits to four killings and faces the electric chair.
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SELF-CONFESSED MURDERER.
One of the Most Sensational Trials Heard in Brooklyn Ends.
New York, Dec. 23.—With a verdict that sends Frank H. Burness, a self-confessed murderer, to the electric chair, a jury before Judge Crane Tuesday afternoon ended one of the most sensational murder trials heard in Brooklyn for months. Burness' fourth murder was committed on November 10 last, when he shot Capt. George B. Townsend, of the schooner Charles K. Buckley, because the latter would not pay him $6.30, the prisoner alleged to be due him. This and other killings were calmly described by Burness Tuesday on the witness stand, and the murderer insisted that he did the deed with premeditation and in a full realization of the consequences.
The jury brought in a verdict of murder in the first degree. Burness smiled broadly when the jury was being polled. Judge Crane said he would sentence Burness on Monday and he asked the judge if he would be permitted to say something. On being given the privilege he said:
"There may be an idea in the minds of some of the jurors that I hold a grudge against them for having found me guilty. I wish to say that I do not feel in that way in the slightest, and (laughingly) all I can say is, I wish them all a merry Christmas."
Burness, who is about 44 years of age, according to his own statement, was born in Butler, Pa.
When asked what he thought would be the result of his act, he coolly replied:
"I only see one way out of it."
"What is that?"
"Why, the chair, of course," he said.
One of the Most Sensational Trials Heard in Brooklyn Ends.
New York, Dec. 23.—With a verdict that sends Frank H. Burness, a self-confessed murderer, to the electric chair, a jury before Judge Crane Tuesday afternoon ended one of the most sensational murder trials heard in Brooklyn for months. Burness' fourth murder was committed on November 10 last, when he shot Capt. George B. Townsend, of the schooner Charles K. Buckley, because the latter would not pay him $6.30, the prisoner alleged to be due him. This and other killings were calmly described by Burness Tuesday on the witness stand, and the murderer insisted that he did the deed with premeditation and in a full realization of the consequences.
The jury brought in a verdict of murder in the first degree. Burness smiled broadly when the jury was being polled. Judge Crane said he would sentence Burness on Monday and he asked the judge if he would be permitted to say something. On being given the privilege he said:
"There may be an idea in the minds of some of the jurors that I hold a grudge against them for having found me guilty. I wish to say that I do not feel in that way in the slightest, and (laughingly) all I can say is, I wish them all a merry Christmas."
Burness, who is about 44 years of age, according to his own statement, was born in Butler, Pa.
When asked what he thought would be the result of his act, he coolly replied:
"I only see one way out of it."
"What is that?"
"Why, the chair, of course," he said.
What sub-type of article is it?
Crime Story
What themes does it cover?
Crime Punishment
What keywords are associated?
Murder Trial
Self Confession
First Degree Murder
Electric Chair
Brooklyn Court
What entities or persons were involved?
Frank H. Burness
Capt. George B. Townsend
Judge Crane
Where did it happen?
Brooklyn, New York
Story Details
Key Persons
Frank H. Burness
Capt. George B. Townsend
Judge Crane
Location
Brooklyn, New York
Event Date
November 10 Last; December 23
Story Details
Frank H. Burness confesses to shooting Capt. George B. Townsend over $6.30 unpaid wages, his fourth murder, and is convicted of first-degree murder, sentenced to the electric chair.