The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-12-03
WAS BENT ON MURDER
TOMBSTONE DETERMINED TO
 KILL MISS HASSETT.
Had Secreted Himself in Her Room But She Was Warned of His
 Presence-Slayer's Wound is Desperate.

Philadelphia, Dec. 2.-Developments to- day in the murder of Kate Hassett of Keith's Bijou Theatre Stock Company, who was shot and killed last night by Barry Johnstone, an actor formerly with Richard Mansfeld's company, indi- cate that the crime was premeditated. Johnstone who, after he had shot the woman. attempted suicide, is tonight in a critical condition. The hospital sur geons intended performing an operation upon him this afternoon, but the wound- ed mans condition was such as to me- cessitate a postponement. At the hos pital tonight it was stated that John stone was much weaker than at any time since he received the self-inficted wound and his chances of recovery were less tonight. He Is in possession of all his faculties and during the day he oc- casionally made inquiry concerning Miss Hassett. Each time he was given an evasive reply
 and spent most of the evening with her brother. His mother is expected here to- night or tomorrow.
 Everett Beckwith, husband of the mur- dered actress, has sent word to this city that he is on his way East from Chl- cago and expects to arrive some time tomorrow. It is also reported that Mich- ael Hassett. father of Miss Hassett, is en route from Aurora, Iii, to assist in arranging for his daughters funeral.
 The police learned today that shortly after Miss Hassett had left her boarding house for the theatre last night John stone forced an entrance into her apart ments. He carried a coil of rope which he attached to a post of the actresss bed. The police believe 1t was the murderers intention to await the return of Miss Hassett and shoot her in her room hop ing to make his escape through a win dow by means of the rope.
 His presence in the room was discov- cred by other boarders. They assert that the actor was greatly excited and that he had torn to shreds all of the woman's clothing which he found in the room. Fearing that he meant to harm the ac- tress the boarders intercepted her at the door of the house and related what had transpired. As Miss Hassett turned to seek other quarters for the night John stone. 1t is said rushed from the house and joined her. They had not proceeded far before he shot her and then turned the weapon upon himself.
 The following letter addressed to Rob- ert H. Johnstone at Syracuse, N. Y. was found in Johnstone's clothing:
 Dear Bob-Enclosed I send you Cneck on the EKCelSlOr OdVl1RS bdHk TUT the sum of $29O. I want mother and yourself to have all my effects. clothes. trunks. etc. Bury me inexpensively wherever seems most fit. God bless all and be good and true to all the world. as I have tried to be.
 Your brother"
 The letter was dated December l and was written on letter head of the Clar- endon Hotel, New York. Accompanying it was brief note addressed to the cash fer of the savings bank fnstructing him to give to the writer's brother the amount of his deposit.
 Friends of the dead woman say John- stone had persecuted her for at least week and that she frequently expressed the fear that evil might befall her.
 The acquaintance of Miss Hassett and Johnstone dates back year when both were members of Mime. Modj com pany. Miss Hassett in private life was Mrs. Minna Beckwith. Her Husband re- sides in Chicago.