New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-09-26
SHOT IN HIS HOSTS BED.
A MYSTERIOUS ATTEMPT AT MURDER
IN JERSEY CITY

NO CAUSE KNOWN-TIiE ASSASSIN MAY HAVE
THOUGHT HE WAS KILLING ANOTHER MAN
THE HoUsEHoLDER's son MISSING AFTER
4 QUARREL WITH HIS FATHER
An assassin stole into a dwelling house in.Jer-
sey City early yesterday morning, shot and
probably mortay wounded man. and escaped
Several men were asleep in the house. but not
one saw the intruder. The victim is Roger T..
Costello of Mullica Hill ~ j.. who was the
guest of his employer. Dennis Reynolds. The
latter is produce dealer in New York and is
reputed to be wealthy and eccentric He owns
the three-story brick building at No. 451 Hen
derson-st. Jersey City. and has his dwelling
apartments over store
Costello travelled through the country pur-
chasing produce for Reynolds. He visited his
employer on Thursday To arrange for trip
over Long Island. Reynolds in a convval
mood, and he entertained Costello literally
When they reached ReNnoldss house the festivi-
ties were continued. Frank Reynolds brother
OF Dennis: Peter Fox and John ScanlOn. who
have rooms in the house joined the merry party
When II o'clock arrived the men were becoming
weary and decided to retire Costello was in
vited Il remain. Mrs. Reynolds said he could
occupy her bed. and she would sleep with her
daughter. Costello remarked that he was rest
less and feared that he would disturb his bed
mate Mrs Reynolds was equal to the emer-
gency. She concluded that. she and her daughter
would spend the night with neighbor Mrs
Brennan. 50 that Costello could sleep alone and
her husband was assigned to his daughters
room.
The inmates Of the house were awakened a
few minutes after o'clock by the report of
pistol. Dennis Reynolds attracted by groans,
went TO the room occupied by Costello and
aroused the others by shouting Get a light
A lamp was brought Blood pouring from
wound in Costellos right breast. Reynolds
to the Second Precinct Police Station and
excitedly exclaimed:
"A friend of mine has been shot in ny own
house. Hurry up with the ambulance. I'm
afraid he is dying"
Captain Kelly and several officers boarded
the patrol wagon which was hurriediy driven to
the house. Captain Kell. questioned the wound
ed man
who shot you?" he asked.
I'm sure I don't know" replied Costello. who
could scarcely articulate "Al l know is that
woke up all Of a sudden feeling sharp pain
in my chest ! felt the bullet cut me knew
| had been shot. / don't know who did il. II
very dark in my room. ala not see or
hear any one"
H was removed to the Jersey City Hospital
and the others We're taken into custody ana held
as witnesses Thomas Reynolds, twentY-four
years old. son Of Dennis Reynolds who also had
q room in the house was missing. He was
seen Immediately after the shooting but he van
ished This directed suspicion to him
His father was questioned 10y Chief Of Police
Murphy. who elected the fact that the father and
son had Quarrelled The son had been employed
by his father. had neglected his work and
discharged few DAYS ago. The theory Of the
police is that the suspected son intended the shot
for his father. He was not cogniZant of the
change in sleeping arrangements made 10y Mrs.
REYNOLDS and the room being dark. could not
see that 1t was Costello and not his father who
was occupying the bed.
Detectives were promptly sent in quest Of
young Reynolds. but they had not dis ovcred the
slightest trace Of him at late hour last night.
Another theory-not that of the POLICIES that
Costello was in the habit Of carrying large sums
OF money and that robbery was the incentive.
He had SD when taken 10 the hospital The men
in custody. except Dennis Reynolds. are laborers.
Costello's wound is dangerous one. but he is a
Young man. twenty nine years old, Of splendid
physique. and III, physicians entertain hopes for
his recovery.
Mrs Costello visited her husband last evening.
and he repeated 10 her the same story he had told
Captain Kelly.