Condon globe. (Condon, Gilliam Co., Or.) 189?-1919, 1892-07-08
HOMICIDE.
John Looney Shot and Killed
BY Daniel n. Ward.

Considerable excitement was created
In Condor Friday evening about9 O'Clock
when Dan Ward walked into town and
In the coolest manner possible informed
Sheriff Wilcox that he had just shot and
killed John Looney. and that he wished
to place himself in the custody Of the
sheriff.
A long list Of circumstances led up to
the killing Of Looney, and the tragedy is
no surprise to all who know the circum-
stances connected thereto.
About four years ago Mr.. Ward and
family came out from Kansas, and pur-
chased ranch about one mile east Of
town, from VIM. Looney. John Looney,
his son, owned ranch adjoining, where
he made his home.
John at once began to show attention
to Mrs. Ward, with a view 10 winning
her affections, which, 1t seems, he ac-
complished. in way. Mr.. Ward being
Of very quiet and inoffensive disposi-
tion, did not say much at first, hoping
Looney would soon realize the danger OF
thus interfering with his sacred rights.
In this he was mistaken. Looney con-
tinued his attentions with renewed vigor
and finally persuaded Mrs. Ward to de-
sert her husband and four little children
and live with him. This unholy alli-
ance lasted about month, when Mr..
Ward returned from the mountains,
where he had been at work month or
so. He induced bis wife to return home
again to her family. This happened
about one year ago.
Mr.. Ward had repeatedly warned
Looney to cease his attention to his wife,
or he would kill him. When the wife
came home, Ward told Looney to never
come onto his place again, at the peril
Of his life. In order to get out Of Loo
ney's way, Ward moved with his family
to his other place, ten miles north OF
town. Looney was not to be baffled in
such a manner, and continued his visits
TO the house during the husbands abb
sence.
The nature Of Wards business-work-
ing with sheep, hauling, ETC., kept him
away from home good deal Of the time,
and Looney kept a sharp lookout for
such opportunities, and, it appears, did
not miss many Of them. Heeven boast
ed to number Of persons that he would
have the woman II he had to kill Ward
in order TO get her.
About the middle OF last week Ward
returned from trip to Heppner, and
learned that Looney had been stopping
at his place during bis absence. He
came over Friday to look after his gar
den. ETC., on his place near town. Loo
ney who had been at work at Manley
Keizur's place, nine miles north of town,
returned home Friday evening with his
team and wagon. He left town few
minutes after s O'Clock for his home
one mile east OF town.
Notwithstanding the fact that Ward
had repeatedly warned him to not come
onto his place again, he did not heed
them, and deliberately drove over to
Wards place, presumably to have fuss
with him. In the row that ensued,
Looney was shot and instantly killed,
no less than dozen buckshot penetra-
ting him, about half OF which hit him
in the region of the heart. Ward imme-
diately came into town, with the gun
a single barrelled shotgun--and gave
himself up to the sheriff, as above sta
ted.
A number of persons went out imme-
diately and brought Looney's body to
town. The body was lying in the wag-
on-bed, having fallen in front OF the seat
when shot.
Ward had his preliminary examina-
tion before Squire Tatom about l, a. m.,
Geo. Goode, our young attorney, appear
ing for the defense. He waived state
ment was committed without bail.
Owing to our Jail being torn up by the
building OF new one, Sheriff Wilcox
deemed it best to take Ward to The
Dalles. Deputies Anthony and johnson
started early Saturday morning with
him. His removal to The Dalles was
taken as precaution against possible
violence from Looney's relatives, and
not on account OF any notion that Ward
might escape. The sentiment Of the
community was very outspoken and
strongly in favor Of Ward. A man can
not be blamed for resorting to desperate
means when it becomes necessary in or
der to protect the sacred rights Of hi'
family.
An inquest was held Saturday after
noon over Looney's' bocy before Squire
Tatom, and the post mortem examine
tion by Drs. Hogan and Nicklin. The
remains were buried in the Condor Gem
etsry Sunday morning by Co. II, Sd reg
iment, 0. N. g., to which he belonged.
John Loaney was about so years o
age, and had never been married. Ht
had merited for himself an unsavor,