The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-03-14
Attorney VIII ColerIck Found Dead
in the Home of Miss Mac Hall. Who
Is still Unconscious.
WEDDING ONLY FEW DAYS OFF
CARBOLrC ACID BOTTLJ: on PARL0R
TABLE TELLS THE STORY.
Coroner, Howcve-. Returns n Verdict
Giving Asphyxiation the Cause
Other state News.
'ecial to the indianapolis Journal.

Special 70 the Indianapolis Journal
FORT WAYNE. Ind. March i3.-Nothing
has occurred in this city for years that has
shocked the community so much as the ter
rible tragedy that was brought TO light this
morning at 9 o'clock, when the startling
discovery was made at the residence OF
Mrs. Elsie Hall. ll9 Washington boule-
ward. The body OF the young attorney,
William L. Coerick. was found cold
in death on the couch in the par
lor. ana in the rear bedroom his
fiancee, Hiss Mae Hall. was found
in an unconscious condition supposed to be
from the effects Of carbolc acid. Both OF
the bodies We're only partially clad, that OF
Mr.. Colerick having only the UNDER
clothing and white shirt. There was alb
solutely no cause known for either TO de-
sire TO end this life. Some intimate that
Mr.. Colerick might have died suddenly in
an excess of excitement of some sort. and
that Miss Hall, not knowing what TO do.
and fearing terrible scandal might have
dragged his body on To the couch in the
parlor ana then retired TO her own room
and taken carbolic acid. An empty bottle
labeled carbolic acid was found on the par
lor table.
Friends were sure IL was not a case OF
suicide, however. and after the coroner's
inquest was in session II soon appeared
that such q verdict would not be returned
The investigation which took place this
evening resulted in a decision that young
Colerick's death and Miss Halls condition
are due TO asphyXiation by natural gas es-
Gaping from the stove. At the same time.
DR.. Porter, the attending physician de-
clares that the only cause the taking OF
carbolic acid. At $50 o'clock tonight Miss
Hall was gaining strength but is still in
a very serious condition.
Miss Halls mother left Thursday for st.
Paul, and was TO have been married at ST.
Paul to-day and start for Walla Walla
Wash, to reside, expecting her daughter
and Mr.. Colerick TO be married in Il few
days Miss Hail went 10 the train with
her mother, and then took supper with her
friend, Mrs. Peter Planting, OF West De-
wald street. returning to her home alone.
Mr.. Colerick took supper the same evening
with his mother and sisters, and then
hurried 10 the home Of Miss Hail.. They
were TO have been married early next week,
although the day was not set.
This morning Mrs. Planting and friends OF
Mr.. Colerick, becoming alarmed at their
continued absence, broke into the house and
found their bodies.
marriage with delight, the father OF
young Coerick urging him 10 get married
| quickly and bring his bride home and livs
with them. His mother was frequently
seen on the street with Miss Hall and
seemed attached to her. The approaching
marriage was often 4 pleasant theme OF
| conversation with the relatives on both
| sides. ana why they committed suicide will
| probably never be known unless Miss Hall
| RECEIVERS sufficiently to tell the story, which
Is doubtful. They had no quarrel that is
known of, and it can only be presumed that
| carbolic acid was taken with suicidal in-
! tent because of some insane delusion which
made them both irresponsible for the act.
Friends offer possible excuse by surmis-
| ing that they saw reasons why they could
not live happily In marriage. and under
these circumstances the ties Of love that
bound them may have caused them 10
mutually agree to end their lives. He
| loved her devotedly, and il il
aaid was insanely Jealous and re-
| sented any attention she received from
oiher young men. As she was beautiful
| and graceful young woman her company
was much sought after in society. Colerick
| was q brilliant young lawyer. descendant
| of long line OF Colericks, who have for
| generations been leaders at the Allen
| uncle, eX-Congressman Wapole q. Colerick.
| The father of the deceased is also a bril-
| liant lawyer and is now engaged i'm a suit
| at Decatur, where Adams county has
| brought suit against the present county
| treasurer. Daniel Il. Boles, for defalcation
| and embezzlement of county funds The
| deceased had case In Superior Court this
| morning. The Judge. opposing counsel.
| jury and witnesses waited for him two
| hours, but on account OF the popularity OF
| the young man the was postponed
| until MONDAY. instead of the judge declar-
| ing a default.
! IL is one OF the saddest episodes OF Fort
axyr,a fafV and 4rFalp laf1
| covers the cause OF the double suicide Will
| always remain dark mystery.