Delaware State journal and statesman., 1864-03-25
CRIME IN NEW YORK.

A somewhat remarkable case of suicide by
shooting took place at 647 Broadway, New Yerk,
on Friday last. 1t appears that for about six
months past German Of scientific attainmeats,
and civil engineer by profession, named Ju'r
r. A. de Mey Won Alkmade, has occupied apart
ments on the third floor of the above named
premises. He was an exceedingly fine looking,
gentlemanly man, very quiet in his manners, but
was in the habit of indulgng too freely in
spirituous liquors. He was arrested for intoxi-
cation, and the Justice tefore whom he was
taken imposed fine Of Eve dollars, which was
promptly paid and the prisoner discharged. On
Friday afternoon Mary 0'Hara, the chamber
maid, entered the rooms Of Mr.. Won Alkmade
with pass key, for the purpose of putting them
in order, but she was nearly frightened out Of
her senses on opening the door 10 fnd Mr.. Won
Alkmade lying on the floor, with his head in
pool OF blood, and three barreled pistol by his
side. The maid instantly gave an alarm, when
several persons ran to the room and made an
examination. On pile of clothes in rocking
chair lay the remains Of young bull terrier dog
belonging to deceased, the brute having been
shot through the heed. Won Alkmade had
placed the bleeding dog on the chair, to prevent
the blood from running over the floor. This
matter being disposed of to his satisfaction, Won
Alkmade took the pistol in his hand, and seour-
ing position in front OF q large mirror, placed
discharged it, the bullet penetrating the base Of
the brain and causing instant death. The wit
nesses examined testified to most Of the facts
above stated.} Nothing could be learned, how
ever, OF the cause which prompted the desperate
man TO thus launch himself into eternity. Ac-
c0rding tO several bank books and other papers
found In his possession he had money in one Of
the Chicago banks, in which city he also owned
considerable real estate. Letters patent, assigned
hV "a rd fosp vi toN
pedoes and other like distractions from rivers
and h'rbors were found among HE effects, and
according TO all the information OF hand he was
a man possessed of unusual mechanical SKILL
Nothing ls known of his relatives, and those best
acquainted with deceased believe that he had no
near relatives in this country. He was thirty
five years OF age, and native of Germany.
Early on Saturday morning, the 18th instant
Michael Cooley, residing with his young wife at
No. Bayard street, returned home in q partial
state Of intoxicatiOn, and found the partner of
his joys and sorrows still up, and anxiousy
awaiting him. She gently upbraided him for
keeping such late hours, and suggested that he
had better go back and spend the remainder of
tn night where he had been. Cooley replied,
'Thars enough. Here, take the contents Of
this" And, as she turned her head, he drew q
revolver from his pocket and fired, the ball
entering her head above the right ear, inoicting
wound which il is thought will prove mortal.
An officer, hearing the report Of firearms, ran
to the spot, and arresling Cooley, took him to
the station house. Mrs Cooley, who is only
nineteen years of age, was conveyed to the New
York Hospital. In her affidavit, Mrs. Cooley
repeated the facts mainly as given above, and,
like true and forgiving wife, expressed the
wish that, in case Of her death, her husband
should not be punished. The jury rendered a
verdict that Isabella Cooley came to her wounds
by pistol shot at the hands Of her husband,
Michael Cooley, March 10, 1864. Mrs. Cooley
is native of Guilford county, North Carolina.
Her husband is twenty-eight years of age, born
in that city, and is a bricklayer by trade. lie
had nothing to say concerning the shooting, and
be was committed TO the Tombs.