The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1893-03-22
[. B. M'WHlRTER'S MURDER
ARREST OF YOUNG HEATH AT SAN
FRANCISCO FOR THE CRIME.
Theory That the Man Was Murdered by Mis-
take, the Assassins Intending to Kill Joseph
Il. Baker-A Tragedy which Caused Great
Excitement in California.

SAN FRAYcIsco, March l4.-Richard
Heath, son of the late Gen. Heath of this
city, was arrested here last night for the
murder of Louis B. McWhirter in Fresno
last August Frederick w. Policy, now
in jail in Fresno for yagrancy, was also
charged with the same crime. McWhirter
was a lawyer and took prominent part
in the politics of that city. He was vio-
lently opposed to certain men in that town
and had many enemies. His life had
been threatened and on that account he
took out life insurance policies amounting
to $4,000 About In the morning of
Aug. 20 last, McWhirter was aroused by
noises in the back yard. He went partial
ly dressed ard revolver in hand to inves-
tigate. Lees than q minute from the time
he left the house his wife heard a success
sion of pistol shots, and rushing out found
her husband dead with a bullet in his
heart. Near him was found a revolver
and two heavy clubs. indicating that there
were two assassins. McWhirter's friends
believed he was the victim of a political
pot. while others, including the insurance
companies, said he had committed suicide,
and the insurance companies refused to
pay the insurance on McWhirters life.
The murder caused a great sensation
throughout the state, but no progress was
made in discovering the murderers.
Heath was arrested last evening and when
an officer told him he was wanted on a
charge of murder he asked: Fresno ?'
Heath said: II have been expect.
ing this but l thought the thing had
blown over" Heath then declared he could
prove an abb and that he could prove by
the clerk of tho Grand Central hotel at
Fresno that he went 20 bed at ] l o'clock
on the night of Aug ? and that he was
asleep in his room at the time McWhirter
WAS killed. Heath says he was McWh irt-
er's friend and the theory is that Nc
Whittier was killed by mistake
Among the murdered lawyers firm
friends was Joseph F.. Baker. well known
newspaper writer. who was brought down
to Fresno by McWhirIer TO conduct the
Fresno Erposit0r in the interests OF his
faction of the democratic party. Baker
made many enemies by his writing.
among them Heath. The latter resented
statements made in his presence by
Baker concerning State Senator Goucher.
and in fight which ensued was badly
whipped by Baker. Heath swore he
would kill Baker and hunted for him the
next day with a revolver, but did not find
the newspaper man. Heath swore
vengeance, but got no opportunity to get
even. About this time McWhirter
went TO the mountains with his
wife, and Baker occupied his house
during his absence. About week be-
fore the murder McWhirter returned. and
Baker left. Heath was working on the
Curtis ranch near Fresno and did not
know McWhlrter had returned. The
theory is that Heath went to McWhirter &
house. thinking Baker was there intend
ING to Kill him. Instead, however, Nc
Whittier rushed out. revolver in hand. and
Heath shot the man whom he called bis
best friend.
The fact that Heath had been arrested
here was not generally known until this
morning, as Heath was taken Immediately
over to Oakland and put on a train for
Fresno, where he arrived last night.
Heath had just come over to the city from
Los Cato, where he has been taking the
Keely cure. He is we'll known in San
Francisco. where he has friends aud rela-
tives of high standing.
Crittenden Thornton, Mrs. McWhirter'
attorney, said he was not surprised at the
arrest of Heath and Policy He said
These men are but cats paws OF others
more powerful, and l expect to see politi-
cal and financial reputation in that state
shattered In very short time"