Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1905-04-10
The Dual Tragedy at Lorton.

] Baron Mayor des Planches, the Italian
ambassador to the United States, accom-
panied by one of the attaches OF the
Italian embassy, made a visit to this
city Saturday evening and called at Po-
lice headquarters for the purpose OF
making inquiries into the manner OF tne
death of Joseph Leanto, the Italian Ia
borer who shot George w. Malcolm, The
public school teacher and deputy sheriff.
at Lorton Valley, Fairfax county. Thur
day afternoon and on Friday, according
TO statements, committed suicide, the de-
tails Of which have been published in the
Gazette. Chief Webster and Officer
Roberts were on duty st headquarters
when NJ. des Planches called. He ques-
toned the officers 10 diplomatic man
ner, but gave no hint of the object OF the
investigation. The ambassadors visit is
supposed to have been prompted by
rumors that the Italian was killed by
mob. Later the aitache took train for
LonOn.
While all is quiet al Lorton, the scene
of the double tragedy, there is much In
terest manifested in the matter from the
fact that the Italian ambassador is max
ing an investigation. The posse organ
lied Friday morning about 8 o'clock for
the arrest of the Italian consisted OF j.
NJ. Springmab, John Plaskett, jr., Lind
sew Dawson, Peter Hall, Elmer Mallory.
George Bayliss, A. w. Grimsley and k.
l.. Narrower. They went TO the com
missary department of II. NJ. Quigg Il
Co., where Leanto was employed. The
posse secured possession of The Italian
without resistance and the latter asked
permission to return to the cOmmissary
department to fix up his accounts, which
was granted, but when Leanto remained
in the car a.half boar the posse became
impatient. Deputy Haislip and Aes'rs.
Springman, Plaskett and Dawson enter
ed the car TO see what he was doing.
Leanto paried for more time. Finding
his behavior suspicious, Mr.. Springman
rushed upon him from the rear, Selling
both arms. The Italian drew revolver,
with which he attempted to shoot
over his head at Mr. Springman. A fear
full scuffie was OH in which the two men
danced around the floor when LeantO
thought he had chance to hit his cap
tor. The Italian fired, but the ball went
crashing through his own brain. Though
the two combatants had whirled around
in confusing scramble one of the depu-
ties took shot at the Italian at VEN
ture, the ball lodging in the abdomen.
1t was not, however, until he shot HIM
self that Leanto was com oletely overcome
Mr.. Spriugman declared that the desper.
ate behavior of the Italian was alone re-
sponsible for his death. No harsh
measures were used, he said, until it be-
came evident that LeantO had used the
respite allowed him for arming himself
to defy the officers, and this statement
is fully BORNE out by Others acquainted
with the facts, the j .ea OF his death be-
ing suicidal not being entertained. II is
believed that the Italian was mentally
unbalanced. One of the wounds Leanto's
body bore was said to have been received
in the dnel with Malcolm The previous
day. Thu several Italian railroad
camps near this place are quiet and or
DERBY. The funeral of The unfortunate
young man occurred yesterday afternoon
from old Pohick Church, near LortOn,
Rev. Everard Meade, the rector. con.
Quoting the services, an unusually large
number of people from all over the
county attending.