Treasures from the Worcester Room: The Trial of Daniel J. Cooper - Chapter 3

Previously on Treasures from the Worcester Room: The Trial of Daniel J. Cooper...

"Juror on - Daniel J. Cooper Trial from May 25th to May 29, 1914"

We came across the above photo in our Worcester Room and after doing a bit of research in the Worcester Telegram, discovered that it related to a murder case from 1914. Alfred G. Bradish went missing on October 4, 1913 and was not seen alive again. A breakthrough on the case occurred on October 31, 1913 when Daniel J. Cooper confessed to the murder of Bradish. Cooper was arraigned on the charge of murder in the first degree, a crime punishable by death. He was taken to the Worcester County Jail on Summer Street, where he stayed until his trial.

Chapter 3: The Trial

The Worcester Telegram truly had a field day reporting all of the salacious details of the trial. The trial began on Monday, May 25, 1914 at the Superior Court in Worcester. During the trial, the jury stayed in the hospital portion of the Summer Street jail (that doesn't particularly sound pleasant!) and received their meals at the Somerset hotel, located down the street at 6 Summer Street. The court sessions lasted from 9 am to 5 pm with a 1 1/4 hour lunch break and night sessions were also possible. 

After the jury was selected and received their instructions, the jurors and the opposing attorneys were driven to the scene of the crime in Upton. 

"Cooper Jurymen View Upton Murder Scene," Worcester Telegram, May 26, 1914

The next few days were full of testimony from prosecuting witnesses and experts, including Mrs. Balcom, state police detective William F. Murray, neighbors, and Bradish's widow. Murray testified about Cooper's confession. Mrs. Balcom testified that she had ridden with Cooper multiple times in her buggy, mostly to and from work without her husband being present, but that she had never kissed Cooper, nor had she been intimate with him. She also claimed that one of the officers had choked Cooper in advance of his confession. In subsequent testimony, the police witnesses claimed that they had merely touched Cooper's chin. The state rested their case after calling Mrs. Bradish and a state police captain who was an expert in revolver rifling (what would be considered ballistics today). Mrs. Bradish testified that she previously had seen Cooper with his arms around Mrs. Balcom as they rode together.

Then the defense opened their case by attempting to use the insanity defense instead of claiming that Cooper was acting in self-defense. On the afternoon of May 27 and continuing May 28, multiple defense witnesses took the stand to testify that Cooper had head injuries, was a "sulky boy," had family who were addicted to strong drink, and some of his family had medical issues (relating to mental health as well as syphilis) that might be hereditary. Cooper's wife also testified that he had received a head injury after a bicycle accident. 

On May 28, Daniel J. Cooper took the stand and caused a sensation when he claimed that he felt "wild" before he shot Bradish. He testified that he had been having intimate relations with Mrs. Balcom since 1909 and that she worked with him in the shop. He claimed that he purchased a revolver to protect him and Mrs. Balcom when they were together. Cooper testified that on the day of the shooting, Cooper had visited with Mrs. Balcom and returned home to do chores. Then, from his house Cooper saw Bradish at the Balcom's house so Cooper got his revolver and went to return to the Balcom house. Cooper encountered Bradish on the cart path and Bradish allegedly threatened to kill him if Cooper didn't "keep away from that woman." At this point, Cooper claimed that he was afraid that Bradish would kill him because Bradish advanced towards him. Cooper fired one shot, and then as Bradish turned to run, he shot again, and fired a third shot as Bradish ran, causing Bradish to drop. 

Cooper then testified about the police investigation, how Deputy Sheriff O'Neill grabbed him by the throat, and his later confession. He claimed that the police told him they would take care of his wife and children if he confessed.  The day ended with six alienists (now known as forensic psychiatrists) for both sides testifying for and against the defense's claim of insanity. Expert witnesses for the state claimed that Cooper had told them he had lain in wait for Bradish and that he had known right from wrong. Both sides rested their case.

"Cooper Case Will Be Given to Jury Today." Worcester Telegram, May 29, 1914

Join us tomorrow for our final chapter in this series, Chapter 4: The Verdict.