The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-01-18
CHARGED WITH A BIG CRIME.
Arrest of Man Who Is Charged with Killing
Man and Stealing 81, 100000 in Sweden.


Lawrenceburg lind Special to Chicago Herald.
Detective Hall, of Chicago this morning ar
rested a man known Count K. A. Krona, who
10 charged with obtaining money by false pre-
lenses. It is believed here, however, that this
accusation is made chiefly for the purpose of
holding the prisoner in custody until more
serious and sensational charge, not yet formally
made, can be investigated Krona is said to be
the m an who, in 1879, killed the janitor of the
Bank of Sweden at Stockholm and robbed that in
stitution Of 100000, afterward escaping to
this country with the plumber. Some time ago
the Count was in Peru, Ind. There he intro
duced himself as the Count Krona, of Swedish
birth, and stated that several years ago he had
been cut off with ont a cent by his father on ac-
count of some youthful indiscretion. He showed
documents and letters bearing out his claims.
and to his newly made friends gave the inf orma-
ton that the troubles between himself and his
father had been patched up, and that the
wealthy old gentleman in Sweden had repented
of his course 1t was necessary for him to get
some money, however with which to reach
home, and for this purpose he succeeded in
raising about $780, Since the money was given
him the citizens OF Peru who came to the rescue
have never heard from the Count. Learning
that he was in this city a warrant for his arrest
was procured, and the result is his arrest to-
night
Krona has been a mystery to the detectives of
this locality ever since his arrival. On the 9Th
day OF last February he arrived in Lawrence
burg from ST Charles, Mo. with his wife and
two children, entirely destitute of household
effects. They assumed the name of Turien
The next day the man disappeared, but returned
in a few days and entered upon q spree. aston
ishng the people by displaying So 000 and
recklessly scattering his money the streets
and giving it away in the saloons. For two DAYS
his wild antics continued, and when his wife
tried to prevent his getting rid of all his money
he attempted to kill her. He was then lodged
in Jail. After SOLDERING up he released by
the authorities upon the payment of his
fine and costs. but immediately began
drinking again, and continued his spree as long
as his money lasted. When his finances were
exhausted he left for parts unknown. and in the
course of months time returned with about
So, 900. Then he repeated his former perform
ances of spreeing and squandering his money in
the most foolish manner until his funds were
all gone. This course he kept up for some time.
AS soon as his money was exhausted he would
again depart. generally purchasing ticket for
St. Louis, but where he went from there not
even his wife could tell. Re has squandered
since his first appearance at Lawrenceburg
about $40, 900, but where or how he obtained
the money no one could get the slightest intima-
ton
Krona refused to speak q word in any language
except the Scandinavian, and pretended to un-
derstand no other, although once when arrested
he began addressing his eaptor IN English. He
first appearance here he has studiously sought
by every means to secure the good will of the
police force. making to those who would accept.
costly and numerous presents. The most notice
able feature about him was his undated rest
lessuess He was never at ease, and only quiet
when stupid from intoxicants or drugs. When
not drinking or helpless from overindulgence he
would walk the streets the entire night When
he retired for sleep he would constantly spring
up in his slumbers and scream out IN the most
affrighted tones. Whenever his wife would at
tempt to learn anything of him or his affairs he
would fly into a violent rage and viclousy as
sault her. threatening to kill her ii she should
ever again allude to such matters. Once she
persuaded him to have his pictures taken, but
when he afferward saw them he became very
angry and destroyed them all
He was recently taken into custody at Law
renceburg for beating his wife, There was
found in his pocketboo notice of his having
overdr avn his account at a bank in Nebraska
under different name; Also q meat bill from
house in Carroll, Kan. in another name. Sew
eral other memoranda, all in different names
and dated from different points in Western
States. showed that he had evidently several
other women with who he lived in this re!atioul
Of husband. He pretended that these papers
were unimportant but soon as, he obtained
possession of them he lost no time in destroying
them. After being locked up he attempted to
hang himself, and being prevented by his fellow
prisoners pretended to abandon his designs
and asked for a bottle Of St Jacobs oil to rub
his neck. When he obtained the liniment he
swallowed the contents. The Jail physician, by
emetcs, restored him. Krona then grew peni-
tent and. through the Interpretation of his wife.
said his life was q mystery; that he had plenty
of mo ney; that no one had ever been able to as
certain anything in connection with his past
history: that, having grown weary OF the life he
had been living. he proposed to make trip
from that place the first of the year to arrange
MS business and return to Lawrenceburg; that
On the fret day of the coming May he would
make written statement OF his life, who he
was and where he came from, and that he would
astonish the people by his intended revelation.
Krora further stated that he would return
his trip with 50. 900, and would then eclipse any
Of his former exploits in this community.
4 few days ago 1t was learned that before |
coming to this place he lived ia Milwaukee. He |
was repeatedly arrested by the police there and |
when searched at the station large sums OF |
money in gold and bills were found on his per- |
ION. At time he had Sc 200. At another, |
when his slumbers ash pile had been dis |
urbed by bue-coat, S.. 500 was found. In |
1888 he met a young woman named Matilda |
ienly left and about month after their de- |
oarture two men arrived in Milwaukee who said |
hey were Scotland-yard detectives. in search |
# the man who had killed the janitor |
If the Bank of Sweden, at Stockholm |
They went to Waukesha, and from what |
hey learned they certain that krona |
vas the man wanted, but he had fed. The de- |
5ectives followed the trail and located him at |
but there doubt to |
whether he was the man wanted Not desiring |
TO make mistake. no arrest followed. Then |
he authorities got to the Peru, Ind, affair. |
md the arrest was brought about. 1t is stated |
hat in the last three years krona has disslpated |
'20, 900, besides investing $50. 900 in Kansas.
Krona Released from Custody.
LAwRENCEBURG Ind, Jan. 17.--krona, the |
'ccen trio Swede who was last night arrested by |
Jata ID. I'd