The record-union., 1891-01-23
MYSTERY At ELK GROVE.
Joseph Morrow is Shot -Four Times by
an Unknown Man.
The Would-be Murderer Escapes Into
the Brush-Morrow Does Not
Know His AssaiIant.

on the ranch of Dennis Maroney, about
four miles east of Elk Grove, was shot
and probably mortally wounded We'd
nesday morning by man unknown in
the neighborhood. The attempted muir
der is shrouded in mystery so far as the
causes which led to it are concerned, and
as the would-be assassin has escaped and
the victim was not able to recognize him
at the time of the shooting, it is doubtful
if ever the mystery will be explained
unless the fleeing party is captured.
THE SHERIFF OBTAINS NO CLUE.
Sheriff Stanley drove out to the scene of
the shooting yesterday, but could gain no
information which would lead to the de-
lection of the man who committed the
assault: The Sheriff learned that Morrow
was employed ON the ranch of Dennis
Maroney, and on Wednesday morning
he and a number of ranch hands went out
to the wooded land near the bank OF the
Costumes River and commenced clearing
away the brush. They had worked some
time, when man was seen coming to-
wards them, and working his way through
the thicket. He approached Morrow, and
after speaking n few words, drew pistol
and fired four shots at him. Morrow fell
to the ground, and while his companions
gathered around him the man who fired
the shots escaped. Morrow was taken to
the farmhouse and made as comfortable
as possible.
Late last evening more of the details in
regard to the affair were learned from one
of the ranch hands. The stranger, it ap-
pears, came to Elk Grove on Tuesday
evening and made inquiries as to the
whereabouts of Morrow. He soon ascer-
tanned where he was working, and on
Wednesday morning started for Marc
ney's ranch.
TILE STRANGER AT THE FARM.
He saw the men working, and ap-
preached a number Of them who were
grubbing young willow trees. He stood
looking at them for some time until the
curiosity of the foreman was aroused, and
he asked the stranger if he was out hunt
ing;
What do you ask me such a question
as that for? ?" replied the visitor. He then
started over to where Morrow was work
ing. The latter looked up, and nodding
to him said, pleasant morning." and
Kept on working. Tine stranger stood
for some minutes eying Morrow while
he was plying the grub-ax. Morrow
worked around into such position as to
cause his back to be turned to the
stranger, and as he did so the mysterious
visitor fired two shots from revolver at
him. One OF the bullets struck Morrow
in the head and the other lodged in the
shoulder. The wounded man fell but
rose to his feet again and faced his as
sailant.
do YOU KNOW ME?"
As he did so, the stranger exclaimed
in an excited tone, do you know me?''
He also said something about acknowl-
edglng certain things, which was not
understood by the rest of the laborers,
who by this time We're scattering in ali
directions.
Morrow's reply was, II don't remem-
Der that ever saw you before"
We'll, I've followed you for years.
eaid the stranger, land mean to do you
up.''
With this he fired another shot, which
struck Morrow in the head. The latter
then grabbed for his assailant's weapon
and it was discharged fourth time, the
bullet penetrating the palm of his right
hand. The pistol was dropped and the
would-be assassin grasped an ak lying
near by. Morrow grasped q grub-hoe
belonging to one of the men and ex-
claimed, ''Come on.''
But the stranger did not come. Drop
ping his AK he picked up the pistol and
taking out his knife, coolly began to
remove The empty cartridges. Morrow
fell exhausted while his assailant was
doing this, and seeing his chance, the
fiend-like stranger ran into the brush and
escaped.
WHERE WERE THE LABoRERs ?''
Seven men wdre working within two
hundred feet of Morrow, but every one of
them fled for their lives as soon as the
shooting commenced. Not one of them
offered him any assistance, and even after
the man had escaped, one of the laborers
refused TO lead Morrow to the farm
house. fearing that the stranger would
come back and renew the fusilade.
Morrow was brought to Elk Grove,
where he received prompt medical aid
He was afterwards taken to the County
Hospital, where he was attended by DR..
White. The doctor stated last evening
that the patient was resting easy, and he
did not think the wounds were neces-
sarily fatal.
There are all sorts of theories afioat as
to the cause OF the shooting. Morrow was
sent to prison for the murder Of young
man some time ago, but was afterwards
pardoned, the Governor believing the act
was done in self-defense. 1t is thought
that the party who did theshooting might
be the brother of the slain man, or the
step-son OF Morrow. who was seeking re-
venge for wrongs alleged to have been in
ficted on his mother by Morrow.
Morrow is said to be peaceful man
and he was well liked by all with whom
he associated.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SHOOTER.
The man who did the shooting is de-
scribed as a young man man about 5
feet 8 inches tail and at the time OF the
assault wore black Prince Albert coat.
somewhat worn. His hat was of soft
black felt, and his shoes were very heavily