The Blackmailer Who Freed a Murder Defendant

Seattle, June 21.—In the trial of James D. McGaughey for the murder of Dr. John E. Plouf, almost the entire morning was devoted to the cross-examination of the defendant. McGaughey made an excellent witness. He stuck to his first examination, and the prosecution found it impossible to trap him into any damaging admissions. He repeated his story of the threats made against him by the deceased, and told the jury that he had been in fear of his life for months before the fatal meeting with Plouf.

In the afternoon the state put Charles S. Wilson on the stand to testify in rebuttal, and before Col. Eddy had finished his cross-examination Wilson turned out an excellent witness for the defense. Wilson was the man arrested in connection with McGaughey for an alleged attempt to blackmail Dr. Plouf. The case against Wilson is still pending before Judge Campbell, the defendant being released upon his own recognizance. Wilson admitted that he did blackmail a man in Woodland named Curtis, and that he did so for the purpose of revenging himself upon Dr. Plouf. He said he testified in the police court against McGaughey at the request of Plouf, who promised him immunity from punishment for so doing and also agreed to give him certain letters and photographs which Plouf had. The letters proved that Wilson was wanted for forgery in Seattle. Wilson said he obtained $20 blackmail from Curtis in Woodland. McGaughey knew nothing whatever of his blackmail operations.

The case was given to the jury at 6 o’clock, and that body retired for deliberation. The jury, after three ballots, acquitted McGaughey, and the slayer of Dr. Plouf was released from custody. On the first two ballots three of the jurors voted to find a verdict of manslaughter, but the earnestness of the nine other jurors made them vote for acquittal.