Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-07-09
COMMITTED TO JAIL
JURY HOLDS cHAs. S. FLETCHER
FOR DEATH OF HIS WIFE.
Charged With Shooting Her, Follow
ing Several Quarrels Between
the Two-His Admission.

Is Charles Sumner Fletcher. colored. twenty
tographed at police headquarters this morn
ing and at noon was taken to the morgue.
where he heard witnesses testify at the in
quest held over the remains of his wife.
1t was charged that Fletcher shot his wife
yesterday. He was arrested, and this af-
ternoon. following the inquest, was COM
mitted to jail, the coroners jury having
held him responsible for her death AS
the Criminal Court is not in session for the
trial OF such cases at this season. Fletcher
will probably remains in PRISON until next
winter
Ire shooting occurred in and about the
nome OF the couple. Sumner court near
10th and NJ streets. about 6:3O O'Clock yes
terday afternoon, the killing of the woman
being the outcome of repeated quarrels be-
fore and since the two were married
r1etcher bought the revolver with which
ne uld the shooting only short while be-
fore the deed was committed, making the
purchase in store ON street northwest
between 9th and 10th streets
fieteher had known the woman during the
past nine months and married her the 10th
day OF June He explained to the police
that he had met the woman about nine
months ago and that they lived together
pe1ore they were married Last month
they Went TO the house of Preacher Payne
Fletcher's Version of the Trouble.
Since we were married" he said to one
OF the policeman, Della has been going
with other men. / watched her go to
house on Madison street and 1 saw her
when she came out"
He said she brought a woman named Liz
zle Dean to the house and when he order
ed the latter out she struck him with a
pitcher. He had her arrested he said and
sent to JAIL
Fletcher and his wife engaged in several
quarreis yesterday about the house, and
at 4 O'Clock in the afternoon he went out
10 purchase a revolver. Della took seat
IN front OF the house and conversed with
heighbors 1t was after O'Clock when he
returned, and his wife entered the house
with him, he requesting her to accompany
him. They had been In the house but a
few minutes before neighbors heard the
reports of pistol shots
Della rushed from the house and sought
shelter in Dunmores stable her husba nd
following her. In the stable he aimed the
weapon at her head but, saif.~one of the
witnesses at the inquest, she 'ducked'' and
ran to the alley.
Charlie threw the pistol at her. de
clared Charles Olden. He picked it up.
then caught UP with her.
What did the woman saw" the witness
was asked.
She was screaming for Mr.. Adams to
save her. his response.
Knocked Her Down, Then Shot Her
Olden said that Fletcher then struck
her and knocked her down. 1t was while
she was down that he shot her in the
head The woman fell upon her face and
her husband pulled her over before he shot
her. He was on his knees and seemed to
be talking to her before the shooting oc-
Cured Charles Adams colored, answered
the appeals of the woman and did what
he could to save her, but Fletcher pointed
the weapon al him and threatened to shoot
him If he did not go away. When Fletch-
er had fired five shots from his weapon he
returned to his home and entered the
Kitchen. One shot was fired while he was
hand. He then pointed the weapon at his
head and pulled the trigger several times
but there were no cartridges in it.
Another Witness Testifes.
Charles Adams also related the story OF
the shooting. He said he tried to save the
wCman's life. She called to him: Don't
let him kill me- but when Fletcher threat
ened to shoot him witness thought it was
about time for him to make himself scarce
Two bullets struck the woman one enter
ing the skull and the other infiicting only
a scalp wound She died at the Emergency
Hospital, and her husband was also given
surgical treatment there. Policeman Muir
ply of the third precinct heard the reports
of the pistol shots and arrested the col
ored man before he could reload his weapon
or make his escape.
The prisoner admitted the shooting and
gave the police signed statement of the
affair. He made no effort 10 claim that he
shot his wife in self-defense, and the state
ment was submitted to the coroner's Jury
this morning.