The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-12-03
JOHNSTONE'S DEED
WAS PREMEDITATED
Actor Who Shot Miss HaCkett
in Precarious Condition
HAD BEEN IN HER ROOM
Tore All the Wearing Apparel to
Shreds and Attached a Rope to
the Bed Post-Evldently In
tended to Escape.

Philadelphia December 2.-Develop-
ments today in the murder of Kate Has
set of Keith's Bi1ou Theatre Stock COM
pany, who was shot and killed last night
by Barry tombstone, an actor formerly
with Richard Mansheld's company, indi-
cate that the crime was premeditated-
tombstone, 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 neces-
state a postponement. At the hospital
tonight it was stated that tombstone was
much weaker than at any time since he
received the self-inhicted wound, and his
chances OF recovery were less tonight.
He is In possession of all his faculties,
and during the day he occasionally made
inquiry concerning Miss Hassett Each
time he was given an evasive reply.
Johnston's Sister Arrives.
Johnstones sister arrived here today
aud spent most of the evening with her
brother. His mother Is expected here to-
night or tomorrow. Evrett Beckwith,
husband Of the murdered actress, has
sent word to this city that he is on his
way east from Chicago, and expects to
arrive some time tomorrow. It is also re-
ported that Michael Hassett. father OF
Miss Hassett, is en- route from Aurora,
ILL.,, to assist In arranging for his daugh-
ter's funeral.
The police learned today that shortly
af&, r..1 T.aA
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 actress bed.
The police believe it was the murderer's
intention to await the return Of Miss
Hassett and shoot her in her room, using
the rope to make his escape through
window. His presence in the room was
discovered by other boarders. They as
and tore all of the wearing apparel in
the room into shreds. Friends warned
her of this episode
AS Miss Hassett turned to seek other
quarters for the night, tombstone it is
said, rushed from the house and Joined
her. They had not proceeded far be-
fore he shot her and then turned the
weapon upon himself.
Letter From His Brother.
The following letter, addressed to Rob-
ert H. tombstone, at Syracuse, N. r.,
was found in Johnstones clothing:
Dear Bob-Enclosed I send you a check
on the Excelsior Savings bank for the
sum Of $3.50. I want mother and your
self 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 1 have tried to be.
YOUR BROTHER"
The letter was dated December l. and
was written on a letter head of the Clar-
endon hotel, New York Accompanying
it was a brief note addressed to the CASH
Ter of the savings bank instructing him
to give to the writer's brother the amount
of his deposit
Friends of the dead woman say john
stone had prosecuted her for at least a
week, and that she frequently expressed
the fear that evil might befall her.
The acquaintance OF Miss Hassett and
tombstone dates back a year, when both
were members of Nine. Modjeskrs COM
pany. Miss Hassett in private life was
Mrs. Minna Beckwith. Her husband re-
sides in Chicago.