The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-10-30
SLEW SISTER, THEN SELF Bechtel Commits Suicide
 in Cell. STORY OF GIRLS MURDER She Had Been in Resort with
 aP0liceman. Was Upbraided by Her Brother, Who Then Struck Her Terrific Blow, She Falling Dead
 at His Feet.
 
STORY OF GIRLS MURDER

Allentown, Pa., Oct. 29.-Thomas Bech- tel. occupying a prisoners cell under sus- picion of being concerned in the murder of his sister, committed suicide tonight by cutting his throat with knife.
 Bechtel and Alfred Eckstein. sweetheart of the dead girl, were under arrest. Miss Kate Betchels body was found in an areaway. near her home. Tuesday night. A gash in her head indicated foul play. Suspicion first pointed toward Patrolman Weisenberg. who had been in company with the girl the night before, but sub sequent developments indicated Bechtel and Eckstein as being concerned in the affair.
 How Bechtel secured the knife with which he killed himself is mystery.
 The police deny that newsboy spirited the knife into Bechtels cell and also that relatives and friends had been in the cell with him. They cannot account for Thomas's possession of the knife.
 Funeral of Murdered Girl.
 The funeral of the murdered girl took place this afternoon the services being held at her late home. It was the fam ily's intention to have the service and in. terment private but when the undertaken took the remains from his morgue to the Bechtel residence this afternoon, many ASaoAOOASp ACAoGNCSs oAAk dSSuCldbe5 and other friends called at the home. and a steady stream of people entered the house and filed past the casket contain ing the body until the services began at 10 o'clock.
 The suicide of Thomas Bechtel has been followed by the police officials telling the story of the murder of Miss Bechtel as gathered by them. 1t starts with last Thursday when Eckstein accompanied Miss Bechtel to Philadelphia. He left her there and returned home. weisenbers met her in Philadelphia and accompanied her to Allentown. leaving there Sunday at 4 p. m. and reaching here four hours later. They went to a certain place to. gether, where they remained until mid night.
 Thomas Bechtel heard of this, and, be. ing strenuously opposed to yFst3enberg he upbraided her in her room upon her return home. He struck her powerful blow on the cheek. causing her to fall heavily against the bureau dead.
 Struck After Oath.
 Members of the family held a council and decided on the story made public Tuesday. and upon the disposition of the body and clothing as found. Charles BechteTs fathers hatchet was used in striking blow on the head of the dead SlTI 10 give Seu1DianCe IO dSSdult
 This happened immediately before mid night. The body was concealed in the home until Monday night. when it was placed in the areaway where 1t was found Tuesday morning Eckstein knew nothin of the murder, the police say.
 Information charging murder has been lodged against the entire Bechtel family.
 John and Charles Bechtel and EcksteiD were committed to jail in default of $500 bail each as witnesses. Mrs Bechtel and daughters were allowed to go, no bail be- ing required.
 were heard. but counsel for the Bechtels refused to allow them to testify on &C., count of the charge of murder against them. The hearing will continue tomor- row.