The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1896-03-11
DEAD FROM HIS WOUND
cofoner's Inquest Upon the Body of
Fred Czarske
The Testimony Of Various Witnesses Given.
Provoestioa for the Fatal Blow-inter.
msnt VIII Take Place Today

An inquest was held at the undertaking
parlors of Kregelo & Bresee yesterday
morning upon the body of Frederick
Czarske, who died in the receiving hospital
from the effects of knife wound infiic ed
upon him last Friday night by Elisha Ben
nett during drunken fight in CzArske's sa-
loon on Third street. The wife of de-
ceased testified that she was standing in
the front of the saloon when the stabhing
took place. She stated that Bennett first
struck her brother, j. q. Mcdowell, in the
face while the latter was behind the bar,
and then challenged Mcdowell to fight.
Her husband then pushed Bennett over.
when he arose and rushed upon Czarske
and struck him with knife. He then re-.
treated, closed the blade and replaced it in
his pocket.
Mcdowell then told his version. Bennett
had first struck him in the face while he
was bending down behind the bar, but on
representations from his companions,
Burke and CastlenIan, that Bennett meant
no harm and &c let the matter drop. moth
ing further was done. Mcdowell said in
regard TO the stabbing that his brother-in-
law, Czarske, was standing in front of the
bar when the quarrel was renewed, and
that the deceased pushed Bennett over at
the same time following him up. Mellow
ell rushed out from behind the bar and to d
them to quit fighting. Then he returned to
his former position, While Czarske leaned
up against the front of the counter. Burke
came forward and spoke to deceased, and
while thus engaged Bennett came up.
reached around Burke and delivered the
fatal thrust. He then stepped back and
closed the knife and replaced it in his
trousers pocket.
William A. Burke was the next witness
called. In company with Bennett and
Castleman he had been in the saloon dur
Ing the evening, but he and Castleman,
after vainly endeavoring to induce Bennett
to go home, left the place and took walk.
After being gone about a half hour they &C.
turned to see if he was still there and to
take him away if he was. Just as they en-
tered the place he saw Bennett arising
from the floor with blood running down
his face from a wound over his eye.
Czarske was just retreating from him.
Bennett seemed to be dazed and Burke
stepped up to the bar to ask about the
trouble. He was stand ng there with his
back turned when the fatal scuffle occur
red. He did not know that anyone had
been hurt until Czarske exposed his wound,
then he left the place.
Important evidence was given by Casey
Castleman, who stated that the trouble
originated in a remark made by Mcdowell
to Bennett. One word led to another, and
the bartender was struck. Later Czarske
and Bennett became involved and the sa-
loon man pushed the wheelman to the floor
and tried to jump on him, but failed to do
SO, as Bennett rolled over. While Bennett
was on his knees getting up Czarske struck
him three blows, knocking him down again.
his head hitting the floor with force. Ben
nett got up in dazed manner, and after
advising him to let the matter drop, Castle
man got out without seeing the rest of the
ARRAY.
At the conclusion of the testimony the
jury returned verdict of death from a
knife wound inflicted by Bennett. The
body was then removed to the parlors of
Booth e. Boylston on Main street. Funeral
services will be held this afternoon from
tina family residence at 1923 South Broad
way, and the remains will be deposited in
Evergreen cemetery.