Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1883-06-11
NEVADA.
COwardiy Murder An Unarmed Ma
Shot 10 Death by Eoo.

COwardiy Murder An Unarmed Nan
Shot to Death by Hoo.
EUREKA, June 10th.-Last night the stage
from the south brought partial particulars of
the cowardly murder at Osceols of promi.
nent rancher. About month ago William
Bassett, a ranchman and stock-raiser in
Spring valley, White Pine county, was way
laid and shot from his horse, receiving bad
wound in the arm from rifle bullet The
statement was made that the shooting was
done by r. G. O'Neil and his two sons, who
were alleged to have concealed themselves
behind rocks in the canyon, end to have shot
at Bassett IS he entered and rode towards
them, not expecting any such murderous
assault. O'Neil published circular
shortly after the affair occurred, stat.
log that the abovs charge, made by
correspondent of the White Pine Neacs, was
false in every particular; that he and his sons
could prove an slibi, and that he challenged
and courte5 Judicial investigation. Il was
understood that Mr.. Bassett, who had been
shot, declined to prosecute, and that the af.
fair would end without trouble but it seems
that 0'Neil has made good many enemies
in the valley, who were 30 much incensed at
the last act with which he was charged, and
Of which the neighbois very generally believe
him and his sons guilty, that they would not
let the matter drop. Either they forced
him to give himself up for examination,
or else he, finding that he was
not safe, owing to the bitter feeling
that was entertained against himself and
soma. thought il best to seek the shelter of the
law at Oscsols where the nearest Justice of
the Peace resided. A crowd of men followed
him thither, but he got TO Osceola several
hours ahead Of his pursuers, and gave himself
up. He was put under arrest, but in Osceola
there is no place of confinement and hs wss
allowed to go on his own recognizance Ap-
pretending danger from the presence of an
unusually large number OF rsnchers from
Spring valley, who had threatened him, and
who be knew were his mortal enemies, he
begged the Justice to grant the protection
of the law until his examination. When
put under arrest he was disarmed land help
less. The Justice refused to give him the
protection asked for. He went out on the
streets between one and two o'clock in the
afternoon Of Friday, and was attacked by the
crowd. who were waiting for him, and rid
died with bullets from six-shooters. His son
William was badly wounded. and his son
Richard slightly. The father, who had no
weapon to defend himself with, fell and ex
pired almost Immediately, while his sons
were overwhelmed by the number against
them and could make bu. feeble opposition.
They were covered from several points, ard
though they drew their pistols and showed
fight they were shot and disabled before they
could shoot more than once or twice each in
return. None of the attacking party were
wounded. TIE names of those who took part
10 the shooting are known, and Sheriff Lam
der, of Hamilton, started for the scene of the
dastardly tragedy yesterday, and will doubt
Less take the necessary steps to bring the as
sassips to Justice