The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-06-16
AS to How Rittman Re-
ceiYed Fatal Wound.
Was Spying on Young Man
and Woman at .SchOOlhOuSe.
Willard Saw Him Crawl on His
Hands and Knees Toward Them.

Medical Examiner Perkins held an au-
topsy on the remains Of Frank NJ. Ritz
man, who died mt the Rhode Island Hos
pitai Monday night from pistol wound
inflicted by an unknown person ut the
Concord school building in the town Of
Johnston last Saturday night lie found
that the bullet which caused death was
fired ut short range. IL was OF 3o-caiibr'
and had made two boles In the intestinos
and one In the stomach, and had passed
int, tho thick part of tho spna. The body
was removed from the bosI ital by an un-
dertaker yesterday.
The investigation thus far into the mys-
terious shooting has suhstan,inted The
News exclusive statement that Rittman
was spying upon persons concerned Tor
the purpose of blacknail. He was known
as person who would extcrt money from
his frightened victims, Jut oD thls par
ticular occasion he came upon the wrong
man and paid the penalty OF his misera-
bio business.
Rittman had walked 10 point noar
the Concord scboolhouso with Charles
Willard who resides near the scene of the
shooring Willard noticed tnat Rittmau
was up TO something, and therefore was
not much surprised, when, just before
reaching the schoolhouse, he saw Ritt-
man drop To his hands and knees, and
start to creep around the corner OF the
building to gain stealthy access 20 tho
porch and steps.
Willard stopped aud watched the pro-
ceedings, and saw that young man and
girl were sitting upon the steps.
Whether or not they were Improperly
conducting themselves Willard does not
know, but be remembers that the young
man, sud denly discovering that they were
being spied upon. demanded To know
hat hs tnf
Rittman by this time had got TO his feet
and had thrown open his coat, display ing
police constable's badge.
When he showed that badge last Satcr-
day night he did so for the purposes OF
intimidation and extortion, and that was
the gist OF his conversation with the
stranger. who not only stood his ground
but refused To give up any collateral to
avoid arrest and exposure.
Willard knew that Rittman was armed
and shouted Look out; he has re-
yolver," meaning 10 warn the young
man. At this juncture Rittman was not
more than 10 feet away from the stranger.
1he young man, alarmed by WIZARDS 8
warning cry, drew his revolver ard
siniul ltanaously. so far a. Willard could
Judge, both men fired-tne stranger once,
hlJ...an four times.
Rttmau cried. My God I'm shot In
the stomach" AS he said this the yourg
Cora, you had better get away from
here. "
Willard did not attempt 10 stop the
young people. who calmly walked down
10 the next street and toward this city.
Several people saw them together and no.
ticed that Just before they reached Olney-
willie square they separated and walked on
opposite sidewalks and were soon lost
sight Of. since then Town Sergt Hol-
brook has obtained very Eoud cescrip-
tion of the young people, and thinks he
can locate them.
The Investigation has also resulted in
the determination that in no particular
did Rittman tell the truth. lEstoad of
being shot mt 9:i0 and lying beside tho
road for an hour. be was shot at lo;2o
O'Clock and was picked UP very few
minutes later and taken To his home.
Everything he asserted concerning the
tragedy has been disproyed. Much svm-
pathy is EXPRESSED for his young wife.
who comes from a good family and p
highly thought of. Rittmsn's funeral
will to held tomorrow and will be strictly