Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-01-12
INVESTIGATING A DEATH
Autopsy on Body of Louis La
mora Performed Monday.
Mans skull WAS Crushed and blood
ClOts Found on the Drnin-Thrcc
Ribs Were broken, Indicating
Rough Handling.

Tho investigation into the death of
Louis 1amora, who was found dead near
his home on West Center street early
Sunday morning, was continued in Wi
noosk all day Monday. The crcum-
stances surrounding the case were very
suspicious and the officers were of the
opinion that the man came to his death
by foul means and the investigation Mon
day was conducted with this end in
view. Early Monday morning Drs. G.
II. Beccher and l.. Il. Morrison of this
city. assisted by Dfs. f.. a. Burdick and
j. W. Shechan of Winooski, performed
an autopsy, which occupied all the morn
ing. The findings of the physicians were
not given out. states Attorney Sherman,
when seen Monday, positively refused
to give anything out for publication. 1t
was learned, however, that the man $
skull was crushed in near the top of the
head and not at the back, as Yves gen
orally supposed. Tho bone was forced
down, croWding the brain, several blood
clots being found on the brain. The in
jury was evidently inflicted by some blunt
instrument much larger than a Ratchet,
judging from the nature of the wound.
Tie blow was struck with considerable
force and drove the bone against smaller
ones above the check bones and extend
ed under the eyes, causing the discolora-
ton under the left eye. Two ribs were
broken in front and one in the back. one
rib was forced in 50 far that it was rest
ing against the internal organs. The con-
dtlon of the mans body went to show
that he had undergone a very severe
handling before death claimed him. The
remains were taken from the undertaking
rooms of a. l.. Clement Tuesday morn
ing at nine o'clock and buried on the
outskirts of St. Francis Xavier cemetery.
While the autopsy was being held large
crowds of people throngod the streets on
both sides of the undertakcrs rooms,
waiting for some word from the inside.
They were disappointed, however, for
when the physicians completed their task
shortly before one O'Clock no word as to
the probable cause of death was given
out The theory now is that the man
quarrellcd with some one the night pro
vious and in the fight which ensucd blows
were delivered which proved fatal The
body was then placed outside on the
walk to bear out the impression that
the man had fallen and crushed his
skull
The injuries to the head Indicate that
n large hammer or axe was used and
Monday morning while searching the
room of the suspected men an officer
found an axe. This was taken and viii
probably be used later for an exhibit
when the case comes TO trial. The in
juries to the body bear out the theory
that the man was kicked in the sides and
back after he was knocked down witt
the blunt instrument Tho position of the
body caused much comment by those first
on the scene. The legs were crossed and
one hand was at the side and tho other
resting on the breast. This looked as
though the body was placed there after
| the fight and the man left to die If he
was not already dead when carried out
No blood could be found in the apart
ments and it is possible that the fight
occurred outside. Mr.. 1amora, it was
| learned Monday, was either coming il
or going out with a pail which he hac
emptied back Of the sheds, when it il
thought the fight started. The two mer
arrested Sunday on suspicion arc still
being held at the county Jail and it il
not known when the preliminary hear
| ing will be held. Louis Trombley, thu
younger of the two men in custody. cam
to the village with his brother severa
months ago and has been employed dur
ing the fall and up to Saturday b,
George Pratt cutting wood some distanc
with him say that he has a quick tempe
and is cruel and when drinking is
man to be feared.