Hatchett v. Commonwealth

Citations

• 76 Va. 1026
• 1882 Va. LEXIS 102

Syllabus

<p>1. Criminal Proceedings—Murder by poison.—To entitle the Commonwealth to a verdict, it is essential to prove clearly, beyond a reasonable doubt, these three essential propositions, viz :</p> <p>1. That the deceased came to his death by poison.</p> <p>2. That the poison was administered by the accused.</p> <p>3. That he administered it knowingly and feloniously.</p> <p>2. Idem—Idem—Case at bar.—H is indicted for the murder of T by poison. There was no post-mortem, and no analysis of the contents of the deceased’s stomach, or of the vessel which contained the liquor administered; or sufficient proof that the accused administered it, or that he knew that it contained poison, and that there was any motive or provocation for the deed.</p> <p>Held :</p> <p>The verdict must be set aside, and a new trial granted the accused.</p>