The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1891-06-18
FOR INSULTING HIS WIFE.
A.V. Howell Shoots and Kills w. J. Nc
Gratk.

AUGUSTA, Ga, June 1.-Anothel
terrible tragedy has been added to
Warrenton's bloody record. Capt. w.
J. McGrath, a prominent merchant
there, was shot and instantly killed by
Mr.. A. Y. Howell, who recently re-
moved from Warrenton to Atlanta.
Howell fired five shots at McGrath,
four of which took effect in the latter's
head and body.
The two men were standing in the
postofice at WarreDton, and when
Howell fired the fatal shots were not
more than four feet apart. McGrath
fell to the floor and died in few min
utes in great pain. He spoke only a
few words fteraeing shot. One of these
was an invocation to God to have mercy
on his soul, and to a friend who eau
toned him to keep still, he said: Il
will be still in few moments"
There was only one witness to the
shooting. That was Judge H. H. Fitz-
patrick, the postmaster at Warrenton,
who was filling out money order
blank for McGrath at the time.
It is stated that Howell went into the
postofice, and seeing McGrath, said:
"Capt-McGrash, you have been writ
ing letters to my wife" With this,
Howell drew his pistol and began firing
at McGrath, who offered no resistance.
There are sensational features con-
nected with the case, and place McC;rath
in the attitude Of writing love letters to
Howell's wife.
MeGrath is married man, with
family of four children, and came to
Warrenton from Charleston, S. c., four
years ago. He is son of Ex-Governor
Magrath, of that city.
Howell's wife is the daughter of J.
W. DeBeaugrine, an ex-Charlestoaian,
who has been residing in Warrenton
several years. She and Howell were
married about two months ago.
It is reported that McGrath wrote
her several notes before her marriage,
making improper advances, one of
which iell into her fathers hands. This
led to- an alteration, in whichMcGrath's
life was threatened.
The matter dropped, however, and
nothing more was heard until last
Tuesday, when Mr.. Howell came to
Warrenton. Then it was learned chat
he had taken letter from the post
Office at Atlanta addressed to his wife
and containing eight pages. The let
ter had no name signed to it, but was
postmarked from Warrenton, and
mentioned an express package which
the writer had forwarded to IIrs.
Howell. It was claimed to be Nc
Greth's handwriting.
Howell demanded an explanation of
his wife, but she protested her inno-
cenee and gave her husband to under
stand that she had long been the vic
tim of such prosecutions at the hands
of McGrath. This is what brought
about the shooting.
Howell was brought to Augusta to-
night and committed to Jail to await
Jhe action of the Warren County grand |
jury.
The coroner's jury which sat in in
quest on NcGrath's body, refused to
say whether the killing was justifable
homicide or murder.
Warrenton is greatly excited over
the affair, as Capt. McGrath has many
strong friends among the citizens.
Howell is carriage builder by trade,
and his wife IS nothing NOR. 5han
child.
McGrath's relatives at Charleston
have been telegraphed for, and will
reach Warrenton tomorrow.
THE VICTIM NOT a son OF EX-GovER
NOR MAGRATH, OF CHARLESTON.
Especial to the State
CHARLESTON, S. c., June l2.-The
body of Capt. W. J. McGrath, who was
killed in Warrenton, Ga, Thursday,
arrived in the city tonight in charge
# his father, Capt. John McGrath,
Who met the remains in Augusta. De-
;eased was not son Of Ex-Governor
Iagrath, as at first reported.
The wife and children of the dead
nan also arrived with the body. The
uneral will be held tomorrow.