Rhodes, Joseph - trial for murder of A. Barker
Source: Crawfordsville Review, January 11, 1890
The trial of Joseph Rhodes, a prominent citizen of Covington, on the charge of abortion, which has been continued from the time to time in Tippecanoe circuit court, occurred at Lafayette last week. Rhodes was charged with abortion, causing death of Amanda Barker, a young lady who, it is alleged, he had seduced. The abortion took place in Lafayette and she died there. Rhodes was vigorously prosecuted by the State's attorney and he made a determined defence. The jury went out Saturday evening last and returned a sealed verdict Sunday morning at 10 o'clock. It found Rhodes guilty as charged, sentenced him to three years in prison north and imposed a fine of $50. People were quite generally surprised as they expected a verdict of acquittal. They also find fault with the jury in finding Rhodes guilty and then imposing such a slight punishment. - kbz