Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-03-31
May Have Fallen From Top of
Bridge.
BROTHER BELIEVED WAS PRESENT
Suspicion That He Witnessed the
Tragedy Held by some-Is Placed
Under Arrest But Makes Strong De-
niaI of Affair.

Des Moines, March 30.-With his
neck broken and his head twisted
about SO that it rested under his arm.
George Waddell was found last night
on the East Ninth street bridge by
his half-brother, Vernon Powell, either
the victim of fatal accident or OF a
have been the cause of the young
mans death there is mystery about
the entire affair that the local authori-
ties have not as yet been able to solve
May Have Fallen.
According to the Investigations
made last night it appears that Wad-
dell had fallen from the top of the
bridge where it is thought he may
have climbed while IN state of in
toXication
Powell Arrested.
Powell, it is said, discovered the re-
mains of his brother about $3.50 o'clock
last evening and at once notified the
authorities. AS soon as the body had
been taken in charge by the police
Powell was placed under arrest and
taken. to headquarters. Vernon Powell
stated that he knew nothing concern
ing the catastrophe, his first knowl-
edge being when he found the body
lying in the middle of the bridge. His
story, however, is received by the po-
lice with considerable suspicion.
Find Globe.
Remnants of an electric light globe,
which were found about the bridge,
have led some to belief that the man
may have climbed to the top of the
bridge and after securing the electric
light globe, fallen. This theory was
advanced in the short investigation
held last night, by a man in a state of
intoxication.
Makes Denial.
In brief statement Vernon Powell
denied having any further knowledge
of the affair than that he found the
dead body of his brother. He said
II know nothing more of the affair
than the police do. and have little OF
no idea how my brother met death. He
wasn't what would be called drinking
man, and when l saw him last, during
the afternoon at home. he was sober
l am as much puzzled as the police
to know what was the cause of his
death. 1t wasn't suicide that's Ger
tain, and while it might have been eth
er murder or accidental death, there is
a mystery r.bout the whole affair tha
Is horrifying. When found my broth
er | was walking along on the bridge
and was attracted by the heap in thu
center of the road | was horrifiet
when found out who it was. AS soor
as realized the condition of affairs,
called out Georges name, but he die
not answer. and then on looking at hi!
eyes and seeing the condition of hi
head and neck, | knew that he wa!
dead. His body was still warm, ant
from what could tell he had only beer
dead few minutes. II it is case o
foul play haven't the least idea wht
could have committed the deed.'
Brother Suspected.
George Waddell is about 35 years
of age, and by occupation is a team
ster, although he has not been work
ing regularly since the first of the
year. He resided with his mother o.
31S Sixth, which is just below Jeffer
son, across the bridge. His parent i!
blind and is practically an invalid.
In the murder theory suspicion
falls on his brother, as it was state.
that they were not on the best O
terms and had frequently quarreled
The brother, however, denies that an.
trouble exists between them, ant
said that he had not seen Waddell TO,
hours before the time that he fount
MIN dead
The brltise on Waddell's head nigh
nave come from falling, and then agaiI
1T is the shape and has the appearance
of q wound made by being struck by ;
blunt instrument. The neck was brok
en- so that it could be completed.
twisted around