The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1903-10-30
SUJ1CIDll.E!D &
Brother d Dead tlirt saicidsd n Pris-
on and Murder Il CAssgsd
to Him.


Bechtel, who was held awaiting the in
yestigation of the murder Of his sis
ter, Mabel H. Bechtel, at their home 4
few days ago, committed suicide last
evening in his cell in fhe central po-
lice station. The police consider this
act as practical acknowledgment Of
Bechteas guilt. Bechtel was in cell No
2 on the, right side of the corridor
Several friends and relatives were ad-
initted to see him yesterday afternoon.
About 4 o'clock ne crossed the corridnr
TO Alfred Eckstein, Miss Bechters af-
iianced lover. who is also held pend
ing the coroner's inquest:
Hello, AL Are you there?' Il
Yes," answered Eckstein. Beehtel
i wish you were here with me now
that we might die together 81
These were the last words heard
from Bechtel. Al short time later Eek
stein called Bechtel and got no an
swef, but he thought he heard All ur,4
usual gurgle. House Sergeant Frank
G. Roth had been through the cells
only a short time before. AT a quarter
past S o'clock he entered the corridor.
and called both men; getting no an
swer from Bechtel he looked into His
cell and was appalled, to see a stream
OF blood running over the cell floor.
Bechtei had laid himself on the bench,
IN his cell and cut his throat with a
knife. ,ss. 4 81
He was dead when found. The knife
lay near him on the floor. How he cot
the knife is not known. He was care-
fuliy searched when placed in the cell
and no weapon was found. There is a.
rumor to the effect that a newsboy
passed the knife to him in the cell.
Becfltel was single man and 3o
years OF age. He was laborer, doing
odd jobs about. town and in the couri-
try He was hard drinker, and when
was easily angered and
prone to fight, He was Of powerful
physique and possessed great courage.
During Mayor Schaadt's adninistra-
tion from 1889 to 1909 Bechtcl was an
applicant for appointment to the police
force, but failed to get the position.
Later he was substitute and an extra
policeman at various times for regular.
men who were sick or ON vacation
Intense excitement prevailed at police
headquarters Dense crowds pressed
against the windows and door and filed
the streets for half a block each way. u
The suicide of Thomas Bechtel has
been followed BY the police officials
telling story of the murder Of Miss
Bechtel as gathered BY them. 1t starts
with last Thursday when, Eckstein ac-
NHscSg r 4. ~
phia He left her there and returned
home. Wcisenberg met her in Philadel-
phia and accompanied her to Allen
town. leaving there Sunday at q p. m.
and reaching here four hours later.
They went to a certain place together
where they remained until midnight.
Thos. Bechtel heard Of this and being
strenuously opposed to Weisenberg, he
up braided her in her room upon her
return home. He struck her powerful
bow on her cheek causing her to fall |
heavily against bureau dead Mem
bers of the family held council and
decided upon the story made public on
Tuesday and upon the disposition of the |
body and clothing as found.
Charles Bechtels slaters' hatchet was
used In striking a blow on the head Of
the dead girl 70 give the sennibiance 81
an assault. This happeiaed ifilanne diate1yl
after midnight The body was CON
cealed IN thu home until Monday night,
wheif u was placed tins ',the arckWay,
where 1t was found Tuesday morning.
Eckstein knew nothing Of the murder.
The police say. Y tfs IS IS ssFs sss
Information charging murder has
been lodged against the entire BechteI
family and coHstables were at the In.
quest ready to serve warrants. Be.
cause of this fact the attorney for the. /
Bechtels refused to permit any of his
clients to testify. After several wit
nesses had been examined the hearing
was continued. :ss i, y ". KS IL
Charles md John Bechtel occupied the
same cell last night They denied their
sister wxs killed & III her own home:
ylhsif told Tom committed suicide
Chafles said fG(ipess he tfoubied too
much: Heswoffied because hg touldh'ts
gos 10 tfie fahesa III \. 4 Il: i
. ssi
IRON !, ,Wolsk ( kEIl ] sIlI Y STRIKE
& sa s} s. = sss s 81