Los Angeles herald., 1906-08-30
KILLED
ON WAY
TOTRIAL
Belden Is Shot Down
by an Enraged
Stepfather
Parent Waits for Man
Accused Of Defiling
Natalie Wilson
Sympathy at Long Beach Is Divided
In the Absence of Full Informal
ton Concerning Case.
Inquest Today
Special to The Herald.

Special to The Herald.
LONG BEACH, Aug. 29-Wallace B.
Belden, 25 years old, was shot and killed
by w. T. Wilson at 9:45 o'clock this
morning, a few minutes before the
time set for Beldens trial, charged with
having assaulted Natalie Wilson, the
13-year-old stepdaughter of the slayer.
Four shots were fired into Belden's
body, three of them after he lay in a
dying condition in the gutter where he
fell.
The shooting took place on the south
east corner of Second street and Pine
avenue, in front of the office of the
Edison Electric company, where Will
son had been standing for about ter
minutes.
No words were spoken by either of
the men, save that Belden gave a
scream of pain and terror as the first
ball pierced his right side
He died ten minutes later in Jack
sons drug store. where he was carried
in haste. Three physicians tried in
vain to save his life.
Men Seize Slayer
AS the fourth shot was fired Richard
Loynes. a brick contractor. seized Will
son by the right shoulder and swung
him around. Deputy Constable Folsom,
who had just reached the scene, dis
armed the man and took him at once
to the city hall, where he was searched
and locked up. Six extra shells were
found in. Wilson'S pockets.
A complaint charging Wilson with
murder was sworn to by Folsom and a
warrant was served upon the man in
his cell. Justice Brayton and Deputy
District Attorney Mccormick then went
to the city hall, where Wilson was for
mally charged with murder. His ex-
animation was set for September 6, and
he was remanded to the county Jail
without bond.
The shooting, which created intense
excitement, was the result of an alleged
attack made by Belden upon Wilson's
stepdaughter the night Of August II.
The Wilson's conduct a confectionery
ard ice cream stand upon the Pike,
and Belden has been employed as trap
drummer in the Majestic skating rink,
just opposite.
On the night of August IL Wilson
slapped Belden's face and on the fol-
lowing night, as the young musician
was standing near the little store Mrs.
Wilson pulled a revolver from under
meath the counter and fired twice at
him. Belden was untouched and fled
down the Pike through a great crowd.
Wilson seized shotgun and pursued
him, but was stopped and disarmed.
Has Wilson's Arrested
Belden was arrested, and the next
morning a complaint was issued charg-
ing him with criminal assault. He later
caused warrants to be issued for Wilson
and his wife, and they were arrested
the woman charged with assault with
intent to kill and the man with having
committed a misdemeanor. Wilson was
released on a small bond and the
woman was let go on her own recog-
ndzance.
Belden's examination was set for this
morning at 10 o'clock. When attacked
he was walking slowly along Pine ave-
nue. apparently killing time" until the
hour set for the trial.
AS he passed Wilson the latter
whipped out his weapon, of 32-caliber.
and fired. Belden gave cry of pain.
ram few steps and fell into the gutter.
Wilson stepped forward and. holding
the revolver steadily, fired three more
shots into the quivering form. At each
shot Belden's body quivered and
moan passed his lips.
The first bullet entered the right side
above the liver, pierced it and ranged
downward through the vital organs,
coming out on the right side, cutting
through the spleen. Another ball en-
tered the top of the left shoulder, shat
tered it and came out underneath. An
other bullet made but flesh wound on
the right arm. The last shot entered
the right arm above the elbow and
ranged upward, lodging in the shoulder
blade.
Prisoner Cries
On the way to the police station the
murderer appeared perfectly composed,
but when asked his name by the desk
sergeant he faltered and began to cry,
He took a cigar from his pocket but
after askinP for light bit the cigar
squarely in two
"Wilson, why on earth did you do
this?" asked j. ]. Hart, city recorder.
II just couldn't hold back any
longer" said the prisoner.
ut is reported, Wilson, that you got
the wrong man." former City Marshal
T. w. Williams said to him after he
was locked in cell.
well. If did," was the reply, "Im
sorry for it. but / don't think l made
mistake"
Before going to the corner where the
shooting occurred this morning Wilson
went to the police station and asked to
see Marshal Young. 1t was noted by
the men in the Office at the time that
he had shaved off rather heavy
brownish mustache which he wore until
very recently. Owing to this change in
his appearance he was not recognized
at first.