1870 Life, Trial, Confession and Conviction of John Hanlon

Description: Life, Trial, Confession and Conviction of John Hanlon, for the Murder of Little Mary Mohrman, Containing Judge Ludlow’s Charge to the Jury, and the Speeches of the Learned Council on Both Sides, Published by Barclay & Co., Philadelphia, 1870, illustrated blue wrappers, twelve illustrated plates, 17-124 pp, 9.5 x 6.25”, 8vo. In fair condition. Fragile. Soiled covers with staining and age spotting. Toned edges. Blue wrappers have dulled from time and exposure. Front end papers and front wrapper nearly detached, torn and soiled. Chipped edges with loss at corners and edges. A few tears throughout, chipping to entire text. Free of known markings or ownership. Complete. Please see photos. Pagination begins at 17 pp. Scarce true crime pamphlet, 1st edition. Hanlon, who raped and murdered a six-year-old girl, was famously brought down by a jailhouse snitch. Based upon his presence in the neighborhood and a documented earlier attempt to abduct a young girl, the police were sure Hanlon was their man, but lacked the evidence to prove it. They placed Michael Dunn, a career criminal with multiple theft convictions, in a cell with Hanlon and asked him to report back. According to Dunn, Hanlon soon spilled his guts and confessed to the murder. After a highly publicized 18-day trial in which the defense challenged Michael Dunn’s testimony as both hearsay and perjury, Hanlon was convicted and sentenced to be hanged. Dunn received a pardon for his efforts. Hanlon maintained his innocence, proclaiming at his sentencing, "If ever another such case should come to light, lay before the jury John Hanlon’s last words, and let no more blood be spilt by perjury." FORN-MSB-0623-Shelf714-LH103

Price: 1200 USD

Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

End Time: 2023-12-22T15:31:10.000Z

Shipping Cost: 3.92 USD