Evening star., 1898-03-31
OFFICER SUTTONS SUICIDE
WelI-Known Policeman Shoots Himself
Through the Head.
Ill-Hca1th and Insomnia Believed to
Have Impaired His Mind
Had Good Record.

Policeman John D. Sutton. who was one
of the best-known members of the force,
committed suicide last night by shooting
himself through the head at his home
No. 134 Massachusetts avenue northeast,
using a small pistol which he had kept
in the house. His aim was perfect, for
his death followed almost Immediately.
For several years the officer had suffered
from catarrh and a disordered stomach,
and more recently he had been troubled
with insomnia For a number Of nights
he had been unable to sleep. and it is be-
lieved his mind was affected thereby.
He left Lieut.. Kenney's station, on L
street northwest between 9th and 10th
streets, about O'Clock, and went home.
About the station he had said very little
of his sickness, but his fellow-officers real
lied his condition and did all they could
to keep him cheerful. Dinner was served
when he reached home, and shortly after
he had finished eating he went upstairs
with his wife Mrs Sutton suggested
that they play game of cards, thinking
the amusement would take his thoughts
away from his Illness. He was feeling
ssid, and. lighting his pipe. he stretched
himself out on the bed. After convers-
ing with his wife few minutes the latter
suggested that she would get him some
what he wanted, and, while he expressed
willingness to take anything his wife
would prepare for him. he said he DOUBTED
If it would give him relief.
Mrs. Sutton went down stairs to prepare
a dose for him. AS soon as she left the
loom her husband went in the bath room.
The report of a pistol shot soon afterwhrd
startled Mrs. Sutton, as well as other MEM
bers of the family.
Bath Room Door Locked.
Mr.. Herman Munson, an artilleryman
who was at the house calling on Mrs. SUIT
toms sister. and a neighbor, Mr.. c. H.
Smith, were soon at the bath room door.
They found the door locked, but they broke
1t open and there on the floor was the off,
Ger with the pistol in his hand. Powder
marks on the right temple showed where
the bullet had entered, and it was evident
that nothing could be done for the wounded
man, If he were not already dead.
Policeman Schultze, who happened to be
rear the house, was soon at the bedside OF
the officer, whom he had known for num-
ber of years. Two physicians were also
summoned, but were unable to do anything,
as life had left his body. Coroner Carr
visited the house last night and gave
certificate of death Lieut. kenney and
other members of the department visited
the house during the evening and expressed
sympathy with the bereaved widow.
of the suicide was not a surprise, for they
knew of the serious illness Of the unfortu-
nate man, and of its effect upon his nerv-
GUS system. 1t is stated that he had inti-
mated to some friends that he was tired of
suffering, and had even gone 50 far as 20
say that he felt at times as If he wanted to
kill himself.
Native of North Carolina.
The deceased was forty-four years old
and was a native 6f North Carolina. He
came to this city after he had served in the
army, and was appointed on the police
force about fifteen years ago. For several
years he did duty in the first precinct and
served as precinct detective. While en-
gagged in this duty he figured in many noted
cases and arrested some Of the most des-
perate criminals who are known in this
city. About six months ago he was trans
ferrcd to the eighth precinct, and because
OF his failing health. Lieutenant Kenney
assigned him to duty in connection with
the patrol wagon. This new duty made it
possible for him to get his regular rest.