Wilmington Evening Journal leat002.doc

Monday, June 13, 1904 10/19/98

Page 1

Dover, June 13. - After hiding all night at his father’s home between Smyrna and Clayton, fearing that he might be caught and lynched for the murder of James Lethrem, at Clayton, on Saturday, Edward Brown, colored, yesterday morning surrendered himself to Constable Jones, of Smyrna, with whom he pleaded for protection, and asked that he might be taken at once to the county jail.

After a short preliminary hearing before Magistrate Cummins, of Smyrna, Brown was brought here handcuffed and lodged in the county jail in care of Sheriff Melvin.

Brown showed signs of relief when the iron door was closed on him, and expressed gladness that he was safe from what he evidently considered an enraged and angry mob at Clayton, where the murder occurred.

George Brown, the brother of the one now in jail, who was last night arrested and locked up charged with committing the murder, was at once released, it being proven that he was not the aggressor.

When Brown surrendered himself he confessed to hitting Lehtrem, but denies that he had any idea of killing him.

Brown inquired of Sheriff Melvin soon after he was placed in a cell whether he would have to be taken back to Smyrna for the inquest. The Sheriff informed him that he would have to go if sent for or demanded by the jury. Brown asked that he not be taken, as he feared he would be lynched.

An inquest over Lathenn’s remains was held this morning. Accompanied by Sheriff Melvin, of Kent County, Brown was brought to Smyrna and at the inquest testified that he struck Lathenn in self defense. Other witnesses however, testified that the dead man was not molesting the murderer when the later struck him.

No demonstration was made against the prisoner this morning, but on Saturday night an excited crowd surrounded his father’s house and threatened to lynch the young man if found. The remains of the deceased will be interred tomorrow at Blackinston’s Cross Roads. The dead man’s home was at Delaney’s and a wife and eight children survive him.