The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-05-19
PROBABLY a PATRICIDE
CHARLES w. KERsEY SENDS A Bull
LET INTO HIS FATHERS BODY.
Claims He Was Defending Himself
and Mother on Their Farm
Near New Augusta.

Charles W. Kersey, aged nineteen, shot
and probably fatally wounded his father,
Levi Kersey, about o'clock yesterday aft
ernoon at their home, twelve miles north
of the city. Young Kersey was arrested on
a warrant sworn out before Justice of the
Peace Gass, of New Augusta, and brought
to this city. The shooting was the result
of a family quarrel, in which the father,
mother and son were involved.
The Kerseys own considerable real estate
in the neighborhood of New Augusta, and
are fairly we'll connected. Several years
ago it seems the elder Kersey and his wife
became estranged, and although they have
attempted several times to compromise
their differences and live peacefully to-
gether they never quite succeeded. Two or
three years ago Mrs. Kersey secured a di-
vorce from her husband, but they were
afterward remarked. Shortly after the
second marriage they moved to Bethany
Park, where Kersey established SAM
tarium. A month ago the couple fell out
again, and divided their property. Mrs.
Kersey, with her son Charles, came to
North indianapolis and lived a short time,
and then went to the farm owned by the
mother at New Augusta. short time ago
the father disposed of his possessions at
Bethany Park and came to Indianapolis.
Yesterday he loaded his effects into a
wagon and drove out to his wife's farm
According to the statement of the son his
father announced that he had come to stay,
and became involved in quarrel with Mrs.
Kersey. The latter, it is said, closed the
door in her husbands face and he kicked it
open. The son then packed UP some of
his belongings and declared that if his
father was to remain there he would leave.
The young man then went to the stable
after a horse and buggy and was followed
him with a club, striking him twice The
young man reached for his revolver, which
lay in the buggy, and fired one shot. The
bullet took effect in his fathers body.
Young Kersey made no attempt to get
away, but gave himself up to Justice OF the
Peace Gass and Constable Poe, who went
to the house to put him under arrest The
officers arrived here with their prisoner
about 10 o'clock last night, taking him di-
rectly to the Jail. DR.. Mcdonald, of New
Augusta who was called to attend the
grave character. The bullet had entered
the body just below the right shoulder,
taking a downward course. The physician
was of the opinion it had caused internal
hemorrhage. The wounded man recognized
Magistrate Gass, but was not in condition
to talk much of the tragedy; He merely
said to the official: We'll, Chris, this is
what | have come to at last
The officers say young Kersey seemed to
take the affair coolly, and seemed to feel
he had a right to defend his mother and
daughters in the family, all married. One
is the wife of Rev Henry Ashby of Leb-
anon; the other is married to a man named
Cotton, who is employed in this city, The
third daughter lives near her parents.
Constable Poe says Young Kersey eX-
hibited his arm, where he said his father
had struck him. Just below the elbow there
was an abrasion which looked as if blow
had been dealt.