AFTER FOURTEEN YEARS

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXII, Issue LXII, 6 May 1911, Page 9

AFTER FOURTEEN YEARS

CONVICT AS POLICE OFFICER

A "Jean Valjean 7' story in real life is revealed through the arrest of R. F. Morris, the chief of police at Danville, Virginia, on a charge of being Edgar Stripling, a convicted murderer, who escaped from gaol at Atlanta, Georgia, fourteen years ago. He confessed after his arrest that he was the man wanted by the authorities, and Stripling is now in prison at Atlanta, charged with a murder committed in 1897. He is accused of killing a man Avho is alleged to have caused the downfall of his married sister. Stripling's brother-in-law Avas also arrested at the time, but Stripling asserted that he alone was responsible. Stripling was found guilty and sentenced to life' imprisonment, but he escaped by bribing the gaoler. He changed his name to Morris, and joined his wife and child, with whom he wandered about the Southern States for several years. Finally he joined the police force at Danville, Virginia, and became the head of the police department six years ago, since which time he has gained an extensive local reputation for efficiency. Nine children have been born to him since Ms escape. A few days ago a former acquaintance recognised Stripling and informed the Atlanta authorities. Detectives served the requisition papers on March 4. and Stripling was rearrested. u.e requested a two hours' private interview with his family before going to Atlanta, and this was granted. After Strrplino; was originally sentenced he lodged an appeal for a new trial. This was granted after his escape. Inasmuch as the decision of the Appeal Court was never rescinded, Stviplino; will now be retried, and it is believed that he will be acaiirkted.