OBITUARY
The Chronicle,Scottsburg, Scott County, Indiana, March 29, 1916
MURDER AT LEXINGTON
Ancell Phillips, 17, Shot and Killed by Hardy Robinson, 22, at home
of young Lady,
Lexington was the scene of a fatal shooting Sunday night. Ancil Phillips,
aged 17 years, was shot four times by Hardy Robinson, aged about 22 years.
Phillips died about 5 o'clock Monday morning at the home of Luther Huffman,
at whose home the tragedy occurred. For some months Robinson had been calling
on Miss Myrtle, the 17-year old daughter of Mr. Huffman, but recently, it is
said, they had a lovers quarrel and young Phillips began calling upon the
young lady. This is believed to have created a jealousy on the part of
Robinson and that this led to the crime. Sunday Robinson sent word to Miss
Huffman that he would call on her in the evening and she returned word that
she had other company for the evening. True to his word Robinson called on
the young lady and was admitted to the house and was talking with her when
there was a knock on the door. Miss Huffman opened the door and young
Phillips stepped in. As soon as Phillips had entered the house Robinson
pulled an automatic revolver from his pocket and began firing. It is said the
first shot missed, and it is believed it was intended for the young woman.
The next four shots hit Phillips and he fell to the floor. The shots were
fired rapidly into Phillips body, two struck below and to the left of the
left nipple, one struck about six inches behind and slightly below the left
nipple and the other entered the right knee, ranged upward and came out about
six inches above. After Phillips fell to the floor Robinson turned the
revolver upon himself and fired two shots which only made slight flesh
wounds. After the shooting Robinson walked out on the street apparently
unconscious of the crime that he had committed. Sheriff J. Alvin Clark was
telephoned for and he, accompanied by Town Marshal George W. Walker, went to
Lexington. Robinson made no attempt to escape after the shooting and when
arrested by Sheriff Clark was apparently anxious to get away from Lexington.
The tragedy created some commotion in Lexington and it is hinted that the
officers quick response to the summons may have saved a greater sensation.
Young Phillips was the son of Bailey Phillips, a farmer residing about two
miles northwest of Lexington. He was a student in the Lexington High School
and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. His remains were interred at
the Lexington Cemetery yesterday afternoon. Robinson is the son of James
Robinson and made his home with his mother on a farm about three miles
northwest of Lexington. His father is said to have gone away a few years ago
and that his whereabouts is not now generally known. Robinson was brought
here Sunday night and locked up in the county jail. The March term of the
grand jury met Monday afternoon and at once began to investigate the tragedy.
It is supposed the grand jury will soon return an indictment for murder and
that there will be no delay in giving Robinson a trial.
I thought you might to see this as I thought it was very interesting.
Mike Phillips
Lee's Summit, Missouri