Tesla Against Death Penalty

SO THE ELECTRICIAN IS EXCUSED FROM JURY DUTY IN LA MENDOLA MURDER TRIAL.

Nikola Tesla, the electrician, was excused from jury duty yesterday in the trial of Michael La Mendola, for murder in the first degree, because he said emphatically that he did not believe in capital punishment. A few days ago Mr. Tesla was fined $100 because he failed to obey a summons for jury duty. When he appeared and said that he was so absorbed in his work that he overlooked the summons the fine was remitted, and he was excused until yesterday.

La Mendola is accused of having been a party to the killing of Micaplo Alangi, in January last. La Mendola and his son Samuel got into a fight with Alangi, during which Samuel La Mendola shot and killed Alangi. The fight was over the ownership of $6. The defense is that Alangi tried to kill Samuel's father, and that Samuel prevented it by shooting. Samuel pleaded guilty to murder in the second degree on March 16, and is now serving a life sentence.

When Mr. Tesla was called he was asked by Assistant District Attorney Ely if he believed in capital punishment, when the death penalty was warranted by the finding of a jury.

"I do not," replied Mr. Tesla. "I think it is barbarous" 

"Well, Mr. Tesla," interposed the judge, "you would uphold the laws of the State which are on the statute books, would you not?"

"I would within my power and reason," was the reply, 'but I do not believe that capital punishment is proper. I do not see how one person can condemn another to death. I could not.'

Mr. Tesla was excused for the term because of his views. After a jury had been obtained the trial was adjourned for the day.