The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-08-13
Charles ferel, Murderer Of Express Messenger Lane,
Acknowledges His Guilt.
Took Advnt19e Of His Victims Friendship and BdseIy Shot him
in the Ba(k-- ---MMdefG Traced to the Home Of His
Sweetheart and There Arrested.

rived in Columbus, Farrell went at once
to his boarding house and changed his
clothes.
He said he was very much disturbed by
the talk about the murder and robbery
which he heard on every hand. but he
kept up his nerve. During the day he
paid number of old bills out Of the
money which he had stolen, bought some
clothes and made some other small pur-
chases. Saturday night he went to see
Miss costlow and arranged TO call again
Sunday AFTERNOON.
Detectives strike the Trail.
1t was at Plain City last Saturday night
that city detectives o'Neil and Dundon
obtained the clew that led to Ferrelrs ap-
prehension. They had been at the hotel at
daylight. while Ferrell was sleeping in
an upper room and he asked the proprie-
tor If any strangers had been seen about
the hotel.
The proprietor at first said ne had seen
none. but when the detectives returned in
the afternoon he recalled the fact that q
man who had failed TO register had
stayed at the house over night and had
gone away on the early morning train.
The detectives searched the room and
found the hidden revolver and several
waybills that had been overlooked by
Ferrell in his hurry and excitement.
After learning OF the express package
the detectives telephoned to Columbus and
had It intercepted. When the package was
opened and It's teli-tale story revealed
three city detectives ses to work 20 run
down the mysterious stranger. Suspicion
f.A l.<H.
secured in regard to his movements for
the last three days were considered suffi-
cient to warrant his arrest.
Admitted the Crime.
The detectives first went to Ferrelrs
boarding house and were informed that
he was probably at the home OF his sweet
heart. They at once went to the Costlow
residence and were ushered into the room
where Ferrell sat conversing with Miss
costlow. Fesreii appeared annoyed at the
intrusion. The detectives did not broach
tho subject of the train robbery. but told
him he was suspected of burglary and
wanted him to accompany them to the
police station where the chief Of police
wanted to Interview him. Thinking that
perhaps the detectives were on the wrong
scent. Ferrell nerved himself and said
with apparent composure: II guess there
must be some mistake, He excused
himself 10 the young lady and accom-
panied the detectives TO the city prison.
Admitted the Crime.
On the way to the station the detectives
told Ferrell what they knew and he re-
iuctantly admitted that he had committed
the crime. At the police station a written
confession was taken by the chief of po-
| lice. Ferrell tried to keep his nerve. but
| II was evident that he had been under a
severe strain and that ne could not stand
the ordeal any longer. He did not tell a
connected story. Most of the facts were
brought out by questions which he ans
swered reluctantly. Several times he
broke down. and when he was finally led
to cell he was In a state OF collapse
| only then did he seem TO realize the awful
nature OF his crime.
As soon as II was learned that Farrell
| had given the money TO his sweetheart,
Inspector Barron went 10 the house and
secured II. The young lady was pros.
| trated. She had not suspected Terreli 81
wrongdoing for an instant, and she and
| her parents had regarded Ferrcll as 4
model young man. The yoang lady has
never doubted his story that the nonc,
had been earned and saved By him as
he stated.
Most of Money Recovered.
i Tonigh, Fsrresi had recovered hts com.
posure after eating hearty supper and
smoking cigar.
| Ferreii's home Is in steghcnville. Ohio
| His father Is said 10 be bridge eaz,
penfer. Ferrcll worked for the Adam.
Express Company al Sie0henyiiie. corn
! ing 10 Columbus over a year ago. whes
! ne was given run as messenger betwees
Coiarahas and PittsSurg lie WAS dis
charged about three months ago, afta,
Continued on page Threa.