The Washington times., 1906-07-03
Passion for School Girl
Leads to Fearful
Tragedy.
HIS OWN LIFE
Assailant VIII Recover, But
No Hope Is Entertained
for His Child Victim.

Dying in F'reedman's Hospital Is pretty
fourteen-year-old Mary Popkins. OF 1Sl5
Eighth street northwest, the nsus,sc
ing victim of a madened uncle. John
Popkins. twenty-four years old. wAose
unrequited love for his attractive niece so
erraged him that yesterday afternoon he
seized a heavy hammer and broke her
skull. and 10 make his dastardly pur-
pose complete sIashed her throat with a
razor, almost severing the jugular vein.
He then used the weapons upon himself.
without success. Popkins is also in
Freedman's Hospital IA a serious condi-
ton from loss Of blood
The tragedy IS one OF the worst IA the
history Of Washington, II not the most
sensational The unfortunate girl has
no chance for recovery. Her assailant.
the physicians believe, win recover. and
IS now under the surveillance OF a po-
iceman, who guards him constantly that
he may not again attempt 10 take his
life. Should the girl die. as IS momen-
tarily expected. Popkins wiz answer a
charge OF murder.
Unrequited Love the Cause.
Unrequited love on the part of his
niece infuriated Popkins and perverted
his mind. During the last two months
he has been violently in love with Mary.
a mere school girl, froHcksome and
nghJ-hearted. with no serious thoughts
or cares. The girls mother welcomed
Popkins 20 her home at all times, and
during the past two months. when he
has called almost every. night. there
d F.F
the girl were anything more than the
affections OF a fond uncle
Popkins lavished his attentions upon
the girl recently. and has been taking
her 70 entertainments, sending her love
notes, escorting her 10 dances, and In
the eyes OF the home folks has been OF
late manifesting motives which do not
spring from the heart Of a kindly
uncle.
POpkins Warned by Sister.
These strange acts on the part of
Popkins led his sister. Mrs. Nora
Tubbss to interfere with some OF his ar
rangements and also cautioned him 10
be more careful, and less ardent in
his affections toward the girl. Popkins
became enraged and threatened 10 do
violence TO Mrs. Tubbs II she inter
feTed further with his own affairs.
He continued his attentions and Mrs.
Tubbs had almost decided to send the
girl back 10 live with her parents in
Georgetown Yesterday afternoon about
2 o'clock Popkins received word that
Mrs. Tubbs had determined TO send his
niece back TO her parents during the
afternoon. His fellOw-wOrkmen noticed
that his actions were Ike those OF Il
madman when this news came to him.
Throwing his tools aside and putting
on his coat, he made his way TO a near
by saloon with the evident purpose or
drowning his sorrow. Whisky added
fury to his love. however, and jumping
a Seventh street car he hurried to the
home where Mrs. Tubbs and Mary
POpldns were alone.
de stOrmed into the house and went
10 the kitchen. Mrs. Tubbs was there
engaged in work. but he gave her no
intlmation OF his purpose. He spent but
a few moments IN the kitchen, and
went into the back yard and called
loudly for his niece. She did not re-
spond. and he became angry. He re-
turned to the house and finding her IN
a front room OF the little cottage. he
STRUCK uef IeaE1ul dow. ana then
caught her by the neck and struck her
three times on the head with the ham
mer, which he brought with him, He
then drew a razor from his pocket. and
drew the sharp blade from ear to ear.
across the girls throat. almost severing
the 1ugular vein.
Tries to Cut Girl to Pieces.
Not satisfied with his depdisb x,oylr h.
attempted TO cut the girl TO pieces and
had severed the tendons If her right
arm. when Mrs. Tubbs came upon the
ghastly scene, and almost fainting rar
TO the door and screamed loudly fol-
help.
Private Welsh, Of the Eighth precinct
| heard her cries and those living in tn.
Immediate neighborhood were also at.
tracted to the house. Risking his owr
life to save the helpless girl, Welsh
struggled for some time with Popkins
who was unarmed. After accomplishing
his work Welsh called for an ambu-
lance. The girl was taken to Freed.
mans Hospital.
Popkins was taken to the Eighth pre-
cinct. and later removed to the same
hospital Popkins was gradually i'm,
| -.v-1.,rs,,a- FodaU and will racouar