The herald., 1894-09-03
STABBED AND INSTANTLY KILLED
The Murder of Manuel Watson
Near Wilmington.
He Was Stabbed Through the Heart
by Robert Ashw0rth.
The ststoment of the Murdsrer-He
Claims the Dsed Was Done in
Self Defsnss-verdict of the
Coroner's Jury.


Pedro, Saturday evening. Manuel
Watson was stabbed in the heart by an
old man named Robert Ashworth.
The row occurred about O'Clock that
evening. while Ashworth was returning
from Wilmington. 1t ia thought that
both were under the influence OF liquor.
When Ashworth neared the Watson
home, about three miles from Whining
ton, he was met by young Watson, who
stopped his horse and interiered with
Ashworth's team. A feud had existed
between them for year or two. on &C
count OF money alleged to be due Ash
worth.
When Watson came up to Ashworth
the latter. he says, demonstrated with
him and told him to mind his own bust.
ness and leave his. Ashworth's team,
alone. Watson, Ashworth says, finally
jumped from his horse and attempted to
climb into Ashworth's wagon, striking
the latter SO he did so. The men by
this time had become very angry and
excited. and as Watson stepped upon
the wheel Ashworth drew knife and
stabbed him to the heart. He fell back
ward dead. Aehworth whipped up his
horses, the wagon passing over the dead
mans face and head, knocking out his
teeth. He drove rapidly to neighbor's
named Todd where he told of the murder.
He remained there until Constable
Winters arrested him yesterday morn
ing.
The murder created great excitement
in that vicinity, as Watson was we'll
known. He WAS a relative OF the Do
minguez family and heir to the immense
estate. He has q mother and several
brothers residing upon the ranch, and is
relative by marriage OF the Carson
family, who also reside on the ranch.
He was a nephew of DR.. Del Amo, Span
ish consul. who is at present ct Re-
dondo, and who went to the scene i'm
medistely after the shooting. Watson
Was about 80 years old, and leaves wife
and FIVE children.
Ashworth 10 a widely known char
acter. He resided in Los Angeles IL
years, sfterward going to Dominguez
ranch, in the employ of the Watsons.
He was known in Long Beach as pea
nut and popcorn vender for come time.
He is partially parslyzed, and has but
little use of the right arm.
He is &c years of age. When the
news OF the murder reached San Pedro
yesterday morning Constable Winters
proceeded at once to the scene and
placed Ashworth under arrest. He
made no resistance and said that he
gave himself up freely, as he knew he
was justified 10 killing Watson. His
plea OF self.defense seems strong.
TDa priaOpor was hr0pU hi m tbse AZ
| and lodged in the county Jail last even
ing. To HERALD reporter he told the
following story:
1.-THE trouble began between Watson
and myself over year ago when l cut
wood for him. He got me 10 do the
work but never paid me. He owed me
$3.50 tor that and So for wine l bought
for him when l came to town several
weeka ago. When l started up to Los
Angeles he asked me to get the wine;
that lie didn't have the money, but
would pay me in day or two. He
kept putting me off until 1 threatened
to sue him for both amounts. NV
threats sngered him and we quarreled
very frequently.
Last Saturday took load of wood
to Wilmington and sold it to Mr.. Hines
for $40, and started back to Mr.. Wat.
sons place, where L was working.
When about 200 yards from the house 1
met Manuel, who had evidently been
drinking. We passed few words when
he stopped my team. My first thought
was to yell for some of the boys at the
house, but they couldn't hear me, go l
started to 60 and tell Watson's mother
that eManuel wouldn't let me 60 farther
with the team. When | started to get
out OF the wagon he jumped off his horse
and attempted to climb into the wagon
1 was very much excited, for he etep sped
upon the wheel and struck me over the
eye.
Before knew what I was doing I
made q stab at him with my pocket
knife and he fell from the wheel. l then
drove to Mr.. Todd's and told them what
had happened.
Il did not stab him after he fell, as
some one says / did, neither did kick
his teeth out. | must have driven over
his face, for he fell almost directly under
the wheels. l gave myaelf mp, IS |
killed him in self defense.'
1t Was learned last night that an in
quest was held on Watson's body by
Justice of the Peace Weldt OF San
Pedro, the verdict being that he came to
his death by being stabbed by Robert
Ashworth.
The body was removed to the under
taking rooms of Robert L. Garrett & Co.
in this city, in preparation for the
funeral. which will be held tomorrow
morning, the service to take place at the
Cathedral.