Johnson To Say He Shot Wife Accidentally And Then Went Insane

Johnson To Say He Shot Wife Accidentally
And Then Went Insane

Harold A. Johnson will testify in his circuit court murder trial
that he didn't know his wife was in their darkened living room or
that she had been hit when he fired what he thought
empty pistol the night of Jan. 9, it was revealed yesterday afternoon.

The defense will then claim 'that, after shooting his wife,
Johnson went insane and shot his two daughters.

Defense Attorney Ralph C. Keyes, who is basing Johnson's
case on claimed insanity, thus gave the first announced motive
for the fatal shootings of Johnson's 35-year-old wife, Margery
and his two infant daughters.

Johnson is at this time standing trial only for the murder of one
year-old Margaret, although evidence about the other two slayings was introduced into the trial.

Jury Impanelled
A jury of nine women and five men was sworn to hear the trial
yesterday after questioning by the court, the prosecution and the
defense.

Prosecutor Edmond F. DeVine said in his opening statement that
the prosecution will attempt to prove first degree murder of "a
willful and felonious nature with malice aforethought without legal
justification, excuse or mitigation."

Keyes said he plans to place on the stand two psychiatrists who
will testify that Johnson "had a horror of death he maintained since
boyhood and they will describe that he was mentally deranged."

The defense psychiatrists are listed as Dr. R. W. Cavell, assist-
ant professor of Psychiatry at the University and Dr. Dean P. Carron.

Johnson Sits Calmly

Johnson sat calmly during the selection of a jury, sometimes
smiling at something said by his attorney.

The defendant declined to look at pictures, clothing and bullets
introduced as evidence by the prosecution.

The trial continued today with testimony from a list of 12
witnesses for the prosecution.

Circuit Judge James R. Breakey, jr., has indicated that
the trial may continue Saturday.