Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1901-06-23

to BE Held This Evening-Details
of the Shooting.
Richard Smith, a bottle blower at the
North Wheeling glass factory, was shot
and almost instantly killed last night
by Police Officer James O'Keefe.
O'Keefe shot in self-defense.
He was about to arrest Smith when
he opened fire upon him. He had a
revolver in each hand. The officer ap-
preached him, grabbed n hand and
succeeded in holding it, while he en-
gagged in a desperate struggle with the
drink-crazed man who was bent upon
murder. Smith fired one more shot
from one of his revolvers, which did
not take effect.
O'Keefe also fred twice, both balls
entering the stomach and causing al
most instant death.
Smith was crazed by drink and jeal-
ousy. He wanted to remain in the home
vi -hlco Ava wy Ahdh, Ii ISluoOo W
permit him to do so. He was insistent.
Finally ne produced two revolvers, and
would probably have shot Miss Way
man II the officer had not put in an ap-
pearance. In taking his life Officer
O'Keefe prevented another tragedy.
O'Keefe was deeply affected by the
affair, but realizes that if he had not
shot Smith he would have been killed
himself. There was no alternative.
O'Keefe has not been placed under
arrest, and the verdict of the ~coroner's
jury will fully exonerate him. Chief
Ritz considers him one of the best men
on the force.
story of the Shooting.
Smith received his pay al the North
Wheeling factory some time before
noon, and shortly afterward he appear
ed at Miss Wayman's, at No. 1902 Mar
ket street. Miss Wayman rents fur
nished rooms, and Smith lived there at
m time. He appears to have been in
love with Miss Wayman, and his per-
sistence in annoying her when sne re-
fused to accept his attentions was the
direct cause of the tragedy.
He has been in the habit Of coming
Ito the house and hiding in dark
places" said Miss Wayman last night.
sHe has acted in a very peculiar man
ner. and l have been compelled to order
him out of the house several times.
Yesterday afternoon he came down and
annoyed me during the afternoon. He
threatened to kill me, and he acted like
a dangerous man. l was afraid of
him."
Smith was at police headquarters
during the afternoon, and told Chief
Ritz how much he loved Miss Wayman,
saying that he cared more for her
than another man whom he named.
He appears to have been in and out
Of the house several times. Late in the
afternoon he became abusive, and Miss
Wayman called Officer Miller and had
him taken out. AS he was being forci-
bly, removed from the house. he an
pealed to Miss Wayman, saying, Must
go? Must 4 go?"
After the officer left him, it was not
long until Smith again entered Miss
Wayman's house. She heard him, and
went up to the third floor.
She did not find him there, and then
came down to the second floor and saw
him. Smith 1ourished a revolver and
threatened to kill her. Miss Wayman
was terrified. She ran into the apart
ments of Mrs. Swaugot, in the rear,
on the same floor.
An Ofyicer Called.
She screamed in alarm and excitedIy
asked that a policeman be called. Miss
Emma Yahrling, who lives in the
same building, started out for an Off
Ger. She met Clyde Russell. who told
her there was an officer at the corner
of Eleventh street. She went down to
Dusch's barber shop and found Officer
O'Keefe.
O'Keefe went up to the building. and
entered the hallway. No. 1902 Market
street. He entered Miss Wayman's
room. and found her very much excit-
"a. Az told Smith be would have Is
eqcompany him. He STARTED Is tnke