Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-05-05
SHOT BY WIFE.
Another Tragic Domestic Affair
at Buffalo, N. Y.
Mrs. J. H. Costello Shoots Husband.
Then Surrenders to Police.
She Admits Deed-Divorce and Other
Troubles Caused It.

Buffalo, N. Y, May 4.-John H. Cos
tcllo, capitalist, mine owner and lum-
Der merchant, was shot in the back
and seriously wounded. this afternoon,
by his wife in a corridor of the Pru-
Dental building. Immediately after
the shooting Mrs. Costello walked
down to the police headquarters and
gave herself UP. No charge will be
lodged against the woman, pending the
loutcome of Mr.. Costellos wound
| The shooting was the outcome of
lyears of infelicity and open warfare in
the courts between Costello and his
lWife, who are well known in social cir
lcles. They have been separated for
several years, during which time re-
lpeated litigation has been engaged in
Mrs. Costello has made frequent at
ltempts to gain possession of her chill
tdrcn, and, it is alleged, has more than
once tried to kidnap them.
The story of the shooting, as learned
| by the police, is that Mrs. Costello
lopened the door to her husbands of
lfice at 1.30 P. M.
Il would like to speak to you," she
| is alleged to have said.
.
AS he neared his wife she drew are
lvolver and he started to run to the end
of the hall. Then Mrs. Costello fired.
The first shot went wide. At Thine sec
ond report Costello threw up his hands
and fell. Mrs. Costello disappeared as
1.-THE occupants of the other offices
rushed out.
| Mr.. Costello was removed to the hos
pital. Mrs. Costello walked into police
headquarters and asked for Supt. Bull.
| When informed that Gen. Bull was out
she said she would wait for him.
| Upon showing Assistant Supt. Gus
| ack the revolver which she said she
had used, Mrs. Costello was locked up
on an open charge. The police tried to
| get more information from Mrs. Cos
tello, but she evaded all questions
and finally refused to answer.
The surgeons at the hospital probed
for the bullet in Costello's back for
unable to locate it.
Mr.. Costello is one of the best known
men and wealthiest promoters in Buff
falo. He has made a fortune in the
lumber business in Pennsylvania and
has extensive copper mining interests
in the West. He is also interested in
large number of corporations. He is
about SO years old and has been for
some time past living with his children
in the Lenox Hotel on North street
Mrs. Costello is As years old. She was
allowed 500 per month alimony when
divorce proceedings We're instituted
four or five years ago. Since that time
the courts have been kept busy with
their affairs. The alimony proceedings
dragged through the courts for some
time and We're followed by long fight
for the custody of the three children.
Costello finally won the fight, but
troubles did not end there. Mrs. Co.'S
tello was not inclined to give up the
children without a struggle, and about
a year ago she created a scene in the
Niagara Hotel, where Mr.. Costello
was thSn living.
She had been ordered by the court
prior to that time to keep away from
her family and after the scene in the
Niagara hotel, Mr.. Costello had his
wife brought before the court on con-
tempt proceedings, charging her with
disobeying the order of the court. JUS
tice Kenefick reduced her alimony to
$50 per month as punishment for her
diSohediance