Outcome of Alex Armstrong's Trial

 

Outcome of Alex Armstrong's Trial

Alex Armstrong was found guilty of robbery with weapons by a jury in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, in June 1895. The trial lasted four days and garnered significant public interest. Armstrong was tried jointly with another man, Frank Cumberland, but Armstrong's counsel requested a severance, leading to separate trials.

Key Evidence and Testimony:

• The prosecution presented evidence and testimony suggesting that Armstrong was in Pocahontas County during the first days of January 1894, when the robbery of Captain A.M. Edgar occurred.
• Witnesses testified to seeing two men matching the description of Armstrong and Cumberland near the scene of the crime around the time of the robbery.
• Several witnesses claimed to have seen Armstrong in Pocahontas County between December 1893 and January 1894, although Armstrong denied these claims.

Armstrong's Defense:

• Armstrong's defense focused on establishing an alibi, asserting that he was in Marietta, Ohio, during the time of the robbery.
• He presented witnesses who testified to seeing him in Marietta on the relevant dates.
• Armstrong admitted to traveling under the alias "Diggs" to avoid trouble stemming from a previous incident.

Verdict and Sentencing:

• After deliberating, the jury found Armstrong guilty as charged.
• He was sentenced to 18 years of penal servitude. Armstrong maintained his innocence throughout the trial and sentencing.

Cumberland's Trial and Sentencing:

• Following Armstrong's conviction, Frank Cumberland was also found guilty by a jury.
• He was sentenced to 15 years in the state penitentiary.

The sources indicate that both Armstrong and Cumberland were transported to the penitentiary on June 29, 1895.