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The Kentucky Gazette
Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky
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In Philadelphia on April 8, prisoner Twitchell committed suicide by strychnine poisoning shortly before the execution of fellow inmate Gerald Eaton. Eaton, aware of the plan, informed authorities after their interview. Eaton bid emotional farewell to his wife and made no gallows statement.
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Suicide of Twitchell—Execution of Gerald Eaton.
PHILADELPHIA, April 8.—Twitchell was left in his cell at 2 o'clock by the Rev. Mr. Brinkherst, in company with two Catholic priests, who had been on a visit to Eaton's cell. The keepers removed everything from Twitchell's cell except a tin cup, at which Twitchell smiled and made a jocular remark. At twenty minutes past 5, the watchman found Twitchell apparently in a deep sleep. He shook him, and found life extinct. It has been ascertained that Twitchell was poisoned by strychnine. It appears that Eaton was aware of Twitchell's intention to commit suicide. A gentleman who had a conversation with Eaton, this morning, says that some time last night the two men were allowed to have an interview, and Twitchell said: "Jerry you will have to go alone to-morrow; I'll not be with you, but mum's the word." Afterward Eaton revealed this statement to the clergyman in attendance, and they thought it proper to inform the officers of the prison. Twitchell's cell was thoroughly searched and everything removed with which he might injure himself, even the looking-glass; but he must have had the poison concealed about him, or may have already swallowed it. Further examination of the cell lead to the discovery of a piece of liquorice root, which is supposed to have been impregnated with the poison. Eaton took his leave of his wife this morning. It was an affecting scene. He made no statement on the gallows.
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Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Philadelphia
Event Date
April 8
Key Persons
Outcome
twitchell died by strychnine poisoning; eaton executed without statement
Event Details
Twitchell left in cell at 2 o'clock after visit by Rev. Mr. Brinkherst and two Catholic priests; items removed except tin cup; found dead at 5:20 by watchman; poisoned by strychnine via concealed or pre-swallowed poison, possibly in liquorice root. Eaton aware from prior interview where Twitchell hinted at suicide; informed clergyman who alerted officers; cell searched but poison missed. Eaton bid farewell to wife in affecting scene; no gallows statement.