The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1875-09-20
PRICE TWO CENTS
WILLIAM M'MAH0N SHOT.
TRAGEDY litter DRINKS At DEER
FOOT PdRK COURSE,

An Evening at Banter and 5portive wrest.
ling-A sudden pnd UnaccOuntabIe Turu
In the state Of Affairs Both sides Heard.
William Mcmahon, proprietor of the
Deerfoot Perk Race Track. was shot and sen-
ously wounded near the entrance to the track
on Friday night last. william Johnston, a
house carpenter, who lived with his uncle Al
bert Johnston Of Parkvile, was the assailant.
and he lies In New Utrecht lookup awaiting the
result. At about 8 o'clock on Friday evening
Mr.. Mcmahon, Andrew Rock, Robert Savage,
James Rogers. James Mcdonnell. Dennis Cooh-
rane, and Johnston met In McMahon's saloon at
the gate Of the race track and talked Of
many topics, among them the qualities
OF a certain pedestrian and the wrestling
abilities OF Johnston and Others. Mcmahon
said he would back Johnston In a match with
Andrew Rock, the village constable. Rock and
johnston then Engaged In a friendly contest,
Johnston had talked about some oats th { the
latters uncle mad offered TO sell. Soon after the
railroad traok toward Tunlson's Hotel Me-
Mahon ran out and shouted to him, Come
oats went to buy" Johnston, paying no at
tentio to the call, walked on. Mcmahon, sup
posing that Johnston had become offended at
something said IN the barroom, although tho
party was amicabe, followed and overlook him
near the race-track ience, aud putting his hand
on his arm, said, Johnston, what's the mat
terri =" Let me co." replied johnston. Then
those In the saloon heard the cry Of " MURDER"
at the fence. They started toward the spot, but
had walked only few steps before three pistol
shots In quick successlon and an e1olamation
were heard. When they reached the fence Nc
Mahon was on the ground, with his hands pressed
asainst hts breast. Johnston was hurryinR away
in the darkness.
Mcmahon was carried to his house, and II was
found that one bullet had entered his side below
the heart aud another In his right hip. Tho
third one missed.
Many villagers started In pursuit Of Johnston.
In Vfaa att ufa.Nlf
apparently about to take his departure, as he rad
Just changed his clothes. lie quietly surrend-
cred himself to Constable Rock, and was taken
sailant.
~ Mr.. Mcmahon made a deposition before
Coroner Sims, as follows:
Being At the time In full Possession Of all faculties.
l. ~ william McMshon Do Of my owa free win ang ac
ing that sm about TO die OF wounds and that there
Last eveai@s between ana ocosf person named
Mill Ma ohnst2n came e ne for ,hs purpose Of selling
baroom Of my house. he Andrew RocE got wres-
oas @ ne ou CO 1' %ndew ae 10
s & Sen S 6s er h s
took MIN BY the rgat arm He called out, Murdori'
The :sos PsneiESteS my T sii Breast "t Greatly
1sS ban sse @ s .h IL d aFef sa Ss
got ~ again Assistance came to me. and Was brough.
gay, him no preyocstion Our msetlns vas ireedy:
e dsvered % the ay mad sted 70 psy
for them when delivered lie was o sober man, pef.
lime 6St had treated him TO- 10 cigar vi liam john sS
stOn believe 70 be = nephew OF Albert Johnston, .
away. Mn. MCMAHON.
| Mr.. Mcmahon Is about thirty. eight years old,
and, physically, is much the superior Of John
ston. He mas oeen the proprietor OF the Deer
foot Park grounds for the past three years, and
and has two children.
Johnston said that the shooting was done In
| SELF defence; that he went out of the saloon
| quietly. and had reached the railroad track,
| when he was overtaken by Mr.. Mcmahon. who,
| in an angry tone told him to 90 back to stand a
| treat. On his refusal to do SO, Mcmahon sprang
| upon him, knocked him down, and jumped
| helpless position, and in mortal terror OF his
life, lie drew his revolver ana nred At his assal-
| ant. In corrobOration Johnston exhibits q
| number OF severe bruises on his legs and body.
| Johnston Is native OF Vermont, and has lived
| with MS uncle at Parkyille for the p,st two
| years. and has worked steadily at his trade a
carpenter: He Is twenty-five years OF age, and
| unmarried.
Mr.. Mcmahon was improving last night, and
| the doctors say he will live lie said he WAS
friendly to Johnston. ana did not know why he
shot him. Johnston's friends say he was forced
| back into the bafroom twice 10y Mcmahon alter
| leaving. Johnston ran out a third time, and was
pursued by Mcmahon and caught by the arm
| and told you nave got to come back and treat
| or Gle on the spot" When Johnston refused,
| Mcmahon struck at him several times. john
wagon said, "Why don't you snoot hmf John
| ston, seeing Mem mon putting his hand In his
| pocket as though to draw pistol, ana believing
his lite 10 be In danger, shot Mcmahon. All the
| men in the saloon had been drinking freely eK-
cept Johnston. He declined all invitations.