Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1867-11-26
A Most DepIOrable Tragedy
I'm Front Of ~ Main Street
Confectionery.
James MaIatesta Shot and
Killed by Angelo Marie, n
Sherifi's Detective.
The COrOner's Jury Pro-
nOunce the Shooting I'm
provoked - Marie Ar
Observation-Disclosures.

deplorable tragedy, which has since
proved the principal theme Of converse
ton on the streets. The particulars
seem to be about as follows;
Jo 0shie, who suddenly disappeared
from this vicinity between two days,
owed Mr.. Malatesta several thousand
dollars for money loaned at different
times. He was also indebted in the sum
of eight hundred dollars to Angelo Marie.
About month ago Marie had occasion
to visit Vicksburg. During his absence
0shie gave some one a deed of trust on
the fixtures, furniture, etc., Of the Bril-
liant saloon. Soon afterward 0shie
stealthily left the city, and has not since
been heard of. The execution of the
deed and 0shie's flight occurred during
Mares absence. Upon investigation
the transfer was found to be Illegal and
Malatesta, as the principal creditor,
obtained possession of the effects, ar.
ranged for the lease of the building from
Mr.. w. B. Greenlaw, and was having the
saloon conducted in the interest of all
parties concerned.
Malatesta and Marie had held several
conversations about 0shie's Indebtedness
to the latter and if we mistake not
Malatesta had given Marie some assur-
ance that his claim would be paid out of
the property. The other day Marie
heard that Mr.. Pfannansteihl, OF the
Hotel d'Europe, desired the saloon, and
had offered Malatesta $4,000 for the
lease and fixtures. Here was an oppor.
tunity to obtain his money, and he at
once sought Malatesta to urge an accept.
ance of the offer. The parties met on
Sunday, but nothing decisive resulted.
Yesterday afternoon Marie went to
Malatesta's establishment. He met the
latter near the front door, and for some
time they conversed in tone Of voice
inaudible to persons standing near. At
length Marie said something which
angered Malatesta, who, in much
louder voice, denounced him as i'd
dog" and liar Marie denied that he
had lied; but Malatesta's blood was up,
aud he reiterated the denunciation,
adding that Marie was i'd dirty
thief, liar, and dog" Marie mean
while charged Malatesta with having
treated him badly. Immediately after
ward, Malatesta, saying that if Marie
wanted to talk to him any more he must
come into his Office, as he wouldn't stay
any longer at the door, walked to the
rear of the store. He soon returned,
and, it is said, ordered Marie away. 1t
is reported that he had his right hand in
his pocket. Marie, who was leaning
against the building outside, nearest
Court street, walked to point opposite
the middle door, and again demanded of
Maatesta an explanation of the epithcts
applied to him. Whether at this time
Malatesta, if his hand was in his pocket,
made a sudden effort to withdraw it, as
though to produce a weapon, is not
but just at this time Marie
slowly put his hand in his pocket, then
quickly drew derringer pistol from his
left-hand pocket, pointed it with his left
hand at Malatesta's head and fired The
report of the pistol rang through the
building, and Malatesta fell, pierced in
the brain by bullet.
As soon as the shot was fired, some of
the employees of the establishment hur-
ried to the dying man, while others ran
for physicians. Marie hurried away in
the direction of Jefferson street He
turned down the latter, toward Second
street, where he met and surrendered to
officer Charles Scott, Of the Metropoli-
tan Police, giving him his pistol. He
was taken to the station house, and
thence, after the result of the inquest |
became known, to the Jail on a coroner's
warrant. Drs. Mitchell, Harrison and
Sterling soon reached the confectionery
and examined the wounded man, whose
had ceased with the
receipt of the injury. 1t was too late for
medical aid to prove availing. In two
hours the pulse ceased beating forever
Coroner W. B. Cotton arrived about
eight o'clock to hold an inquest on the
'emains of the deceased. The jury was
of the following named per.
ions:
C. n Martin (foreman), L, Podesta,
\. NJ Smith, John A. Henry, R. +.
Arata, NJ. Fender, George A. Schiek.
The following testimony was ELECTED at
be inquest:
Louis Podesta sworn: Nalatests was
ittisg in the back part of the store talk
ng to Mr.. I. Armstrong, when Angelo
vent past, and Malatesta called to him
o come in; | did not hear what words
we're spoken; the conversation was low,
nd | paid no attention to It; ! heard |
ialatesta say: i will sell my claims in
hat establishment for old bottles or old
arrels; will not talk TO you now about
/ come some other time" Angelo said |
you can't come any such game on (
1e;" Malatesta asked him what be
ieant by a game, saying, II can whip
on; / can eat you up, you d-n dog;
on had better 60 about your business, I
on will make more money than you can G
ere" at the same time pulling Of bis